The edTPA (Educator Effectiveness) portfolio requires meticulous attention to detail, especially when it comes to incorporating evidence. Quoting effectively is crucial for showcasing your teaching practices and reflecting on your performance. This guide outlines best practices and provides examples to help you master quoting in your edTPA submissions.
Why is quoting important in the edTPA?
Quoting strengthens your edTPA by:
- Providing concrete evidence: Instead of summarizing your teaching, direct quotes from student work, lesson plans, or your reflections demonstrate your claims.
- Supporting your analysis: Quotes offer specific examples to substantiate your interpretations of student learning and your instructional effectiveness.
- Adding authenticity: Using student voices and your own reflections through direct quotes makes your portfolio more engaging and credible.
- Demonstrating professionalism: Properly quoting shows attention to detail and respect for intellectual property.
Best Practices for Quoting in Your edTPA
- Choose impactful quotes: Select quotes that directly support your claims and highlight key aspects of your teaching. Avoid lengthy, irrelevant quotations.
- Use a variety of quote types: Incorporate direct quotes, paraphrases, and summaries to maintain a balanced and engaging narrative.
- Provide context: Introduce each quote with sufficient context to clarify its meaning and relevance to your analysis. Explain why you chose this specific quote.
- Use proper formatting: Follow a consistent citation style (e.g., APA, MLA) throughout your edTPA. Be sure to properly attribute all sources.
- Analyze your quotes: Don't just insert quotes; analyze them! Explain what the quote reveals about student learning, your teaching strategies, or your reflections on practice.
Different Types of Quotes and How to Use Them
Direct Quotes
Direct quotes reproduce the exact wording of a source. Use them when the original phrasing is particularly insightful or powerful.
Example: "When I asked students to explain the concept of photosynthesis, one student responded, 'I think it's like how plants breathe, but they use sunlight instead of air.'" This quote illustrates a common misconception.
Paraphrases
Paraphrases restate the meaning of a source in your own words. Use paraphrases to summarize key ideas without directly quoting the original text.
Example: Instead of quoting a lengthy passage from a student's essay, you can paraphrase: "Several students demonstrated a deep understanding of Shakespeare's use of irony in Hamlet, evidenced by their insightful analysis of key scenes."
Summaries
Summaries condense the main points of a source into a concise overview. Use summaries when dealing with longer pieces of text.
Example: "The student's portfolio demonstrates consistent growth in writing skills throughout the term, showing improved organization, grammar, and vocabulary."
Common Questions About Quoting in edTPA
How many quotes should I include?
There's no magic number. The number of quotes should be appropriate for the length and content of each section of your edTPA. Focus on quality over quantity. Prioritize meaningful quotes that strongly support your claims.
What if I need to omit a word or add clarification within a quote?
Use brackets [ ] to indicate additions or omissions. For example: "The student's work was [generally] well-organized." Use ellipses (…) to indicate omitted words.
What citation style should I use?
Consult your edTPA guidelines for specific citation requirements. APA style is commonly used.
How can I analyze quotes effectively?
After each quote, analyze its significance. Explain what the quote reveals about student learning, your instructional strategies, or your reflective practice. Connect the quote back to the larger context of your teaching.
By following these best practices and understanding the different types of quotes, you can effectively incorporate evidence into your edTPA and showcase your teaching expertise. Remember, clear, concise, and well-analyzed quotes are key to creating a strong and impactful portfolio.
