The edTPA (Educator Preparation Assessment) is a rigorous assessment designed to evaluate aspiring teachers' readiness for the classroom. While demonstrating your pedagogical skills is paramount, proper use of quotations within your edTPA portfolio is crucial for showcasing your analytical abilities and supporting your claims. Many candidates struggle with this aspect, leading to lost points. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to confidently and effectively integrate quotations into your edTPA submissions, avoiding common mistakes and pitfalls.
What are the Common Mistakes with Quotations in edTPA?
Many edTPA submissions suffer from several recurring quotation-related issues:
- Incorrectly formatted quotations: Failing to properly introduce, integrate, and cite quotations according to a consistent style guide (typically APA or MLA).
- Over-reliance on quotations: Using extensive quotes without sufficient analysis or connection to your claims. Your analysis, not the quotation, should be the focus.
- Poorly chosen quotations: Selecting irrelevant or weak evidence that doesn't effectively support the points being made.
- Missing context: Failing to provide sufficient background information to make the meaning of the quotation clear to the reader.
- Lack of analysis: Simply presenting a quotation without explaining its significance or connecting it to your overall argument.
How to Properly Use Quotations in Your edTPA
Mastering the art of quotation integration involves a multi-step process:
1. Selecting Relevant and Strong Quotations
Choose quotations that directly and powerfully support your claims. Avoid lengthy quotes; a concise, impactful excerpt is far more effective than a long, rambling one. Consider the following:
- Relevance: Does the quote directly address the point you're making?
- Impact: Does the quote add significant weight or insight to your analysis?
- Clarity: Is the quote easy to understand, even out of context?
2. Providing Sufficient Context
Before introducing a quotation, provide enough background information so the reader understands its significance and relevance. This sets the stage for the quote's impact.
Example: Instead of writing, "The students struggled," try: "Following the challenging introduction of complex fractions, many students exhibited visible frustration. As one student stated, 'This is way too hard!'." This provides context and makes the quote's meaning clear.
3. Integrating Quotations Smoothly into Your Writing
Don't just drop a quote into your text. Integrate it seamlessly by using introductory phrases. Some helpful phrases include:
- According to [student/source],...
- As [student/source] states,...
- [Student/source] argues that...
- In the words of [student/source],...
4. Analyzing and Interpreting Quotations
After presenting a quotation, analyze it thoroughly. Explain why you chose this particular quote and how it supports your argument. Don't just summarize the quote; explore its meaning, implications, and connections to your overall analysis.
5. Using Appropriate Citation Style
Maintain consistency in your citation style (APA or MLA) throughout your edTPA portfolio. Pay close attention to in-text citations and the reference list/bibliography. Inaccurate or missing citations can lead to significant point deductions.
Addressing Common Questions about edTPA Quotations
How many quotations should I use?
There's no magic number. Focus on quality over quantity. Use only the quotations that are truly essential to support your points and enrich your analysis.
Can I use quotations from observations or student work?
Yes, you can and should! These are valuable sources of evidence. Remember to anonymize student work appropriately to protect student privacy.
What if I don't have enough quotations?
Relying heavily on paraphrasing or summarizing might be preferable to using weak or irrelevant quotations. Focus on crafting insightful analysis based on strong evidence, regardless of the form.
What happens if I don't cite my sources correctly?
Incorrect or missing citations are a serious issue. They can lead to accusations of plagiarism, resulting in significant point deductions or even failure of the edTPA.
By following these guidelines, you can confidently incorporate quotations into your edTPA, enhancing the quality and persuasiveness of your work. Remember, the goal is not simply to include quotations but to use them strategically and effectively to support your claims and demonstrate your analytical skills. Careful planning and meticulous execution are key to success.
