Associate Teachers in Fiji: Challenges Faced by Student Teachers During Practicum

The teaching practice (practicum) experience is a pivotal component of teacher education programs globally, providing student teachers with opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in real classroom settings. In Fiji, one of the many countries in the South Pacific, student teachers engage in practicum experiences, in schools, under the mentorship of associate teachers (ATs). This research paper explores the challenges encountered by student teachers during their practicum placements with a focus on the role of ATs in Suva, Fiji. The study involved 25 of the 40 final-year student teachers placed in urban schools for a duration of 14 weeks of practicum. The student teachers took the role of ethnographic field workers to produce data. The study investigates the experiences of student teachers and the dynamics of their interactions with ATs. Findings reveal a range of challenges faced by the students, including issues related to professional nurturing, and consistent, precise, and prompt feedback on their teaching skills. It further discloses the relationship between ATs and student teachers as not so dependable, and the communication barriers that hindered learning. The study also identifies factors contributing to effective practicum experiences and proposes recommendations for enhancing the support provided by ATs to students. Understanding the challenges encountered by the students during teaching practice is essential for improving teacher education programs and ensuring the professional development of future educators in Fiji.