Opinions of Pre-service English Teachers on Distance Practicum in the Covid-19 period: An example from Turkey

Abstract

Within the context of distant practicum procedures implemented during the coronavirus (COVID-19) period, the aim of this study is to highlight the experiences and views of pre-service English teachers on e-practicum. The study also examines whether pre-service teachers’ experiences contrasted with what they expected from the standard practicum procedures. The participants of the study included 20 fourth-year prospective English teachers studying at a Turkish university. Data were collected through standardized open-ended interview questions and content analysis was used to categorize the responses. The findings of this study in general show that teaching practicum is a significant part of teacher education programs as pre-service teachers believe that it particularly supports gaining teaching experience in a real school environment. However, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has led teaching practicum to be sustained as a part of distance education which has caused certain drawbacks especially in terms of lacking face-to face teaching experience. Findings revealed that distant practicum during the COVID-19 had more negative sides for the participants than positive ones. Participants expressed their demands for e-practicum regulations that address all aspects of the teaching profession and give them the opportunity to put theory into practice.