Pre-Service English Teachers' Perception of the Practicum Experience

Abstract

The aim of the research is to explore pre-service teachers' perceptions of a school-based practicum experience as part of their training as future teachers. To achieve the goal of the research, a quantitative study is employed. The sample is composed of a total of 113 pre-service teachers studying the last year of the Degree in Primary Education: English ranging in age from 22 to 48. To operationalize the variables and collect the data, the researchers use a questionnaire. On analysing the results, the investigators highlight that pre-service teachers are quite satisfied with the experience, the majority of them consider this practice brings them the opportunity to observe the real context in which they will develop their future work, and to put into practice what they have acquired. The experience contributes to student empowerment in learning since they have the opportunity to manage different lessons and demonstrate their teaching skills.