EFL Teachers\u2019 Conceptions of Professional Development during the Practicum: Retrospective Perceptions and Prospective Insights

Abstract

The current study probes into English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers’ conceptions of their professional development during practicum course. The study merits a mixed methods approach and has utilized both quantitative and qualitative data gathering and analysis. To gather quantitative data, 100 EFL teachers were asked to complete a questionnaire that measured their retrospective perceptions of the role of practicum in their professional development. To gather qualitative data, 20 student-teachers (STs) of Teaching English as Foreign Language (TEFL) were asked to write narrations while they were taking part in their practicum courses for two years. The results of quantitative data analysis revealed that the participants had roughly positive retrospective perceptions of the practicum course and its role in their professional development. It was also found that novice teachers (with 1-5 years of experience), those participants whose practicum course lasted longer (two semesters or longer), and those who had taken part in the practicum after teacher education curriculum change had more positive perceptions of the practicum course. The result of qualitative analysis revealed that STs were generally satisfied with the content, methodology and assessment of the practicum. They reported certain challenges they faced during the practicum including relation with cooperating teachers and their supervisors’ strictness. They also believed that the practicum helped them expand their pedagogical insights on EFL theories and practices, although they needed help on certain issues including assessment of students’ learning.