Identity (Re)Construction of Turkish Pre-service Language Teachers during the Practicum

Abstract

Teacher identity has been prioritized in current research related to teacher education in order to understand teaching and learning context. This case study investigates identity (re)construction of three pre-service English teachers during the practicum. Drawing on sociocultural theory, how pre-service teachers constructed their identities and enacted their agencies in the field school was examined based on the narratives of the participants. Data collection tools included reflective papers and semi-structured interviews with the participants. Analysis of the qualitative data revealed the following themes related to identity formation of pre-service teachers during the practicum: their imagined selves (Wenger, 1998), the practicum as shaping their identity, and directions for future selves as a result of practicum experience. It was found that previous experiences of the participants as language learners and interaction with the parties including mentor teacher and students in the field school had both positive and negative impacts on identity formation of pre-service teachers. Findings of the study is expected to contribute to the relevant literature, and suggestions are presented for further studies.