What EFL Student-Teachers Think about their Preparation Program: An Evaluation of Kuwait’s English Practicum Program

Abstract

The present study evaluates the English language practicum program at the College of Basic Education in the State of Kuwait from the viewpoints of female student teachers. The study attempts to identify such strengths and weaknesses of the practicum experience in pre-service teachers’ motivation to continue their future in the teaching profession. Quantitative research methodologies were used by adopting Peacock’s (2009) model for practicum program evaluation. The current TEFL practicum program results have confirmed many strengths but also highlighted certain significant shortcomings from the student-teachers’ perspective due to the gap between the theoretical and practical aspects, as well as the absence of adequate supervision, which affected the trainees’ need for pedagogical competence in term of class and time management skills. The study proposes many recommendations and suggestions that the practicum program should be structured to improve the student teachers’ needs and the educational context and fulfil the practical, beneficial content for the individuals.