Positive and Negative Emotions of Emirati Student-Teachers During an EFL Practicum

Abstract

The emotional experiences of English as a foreign language (EFL) student teachers during their practicum in the United Arab Emirates are examined in this qualitative study (UAE). Six males and ten females made up the sample of 16 pre-service teachers. The majority of the data was gathered through focus group interviews. Participants expressed a wide range of positive and negative emotions, mostly connected to their classroom practices, language skills, professional knowledge, and assistance received during their practicum. The findings also point to a pressing need for increased coordination and collaboration between colleges and training schools. To the best of the researchers’ knowledge, this is the first study of its kind in the Gulf region. It is hoped that it will help policymakers, educators, and curriculum developers at the micro and macro levels of teacher education develop a better understanding of student teachers’ emotions through the practicum and identify areas that need to be reconsidered.KeywordsTeaching practicumEmotional experiencePre-service teachersTeacher education