Triumphs and Tribulations of Teaching Practicum Experiences: Reflections from Preservice Teachers in UAE

Laila Mohebi, Zayed University

Document Type

Article

Source of Publication

Encyclopaideia

Publication Date

8-30-2023

Abstract

The ‘Practicum-3’ preservice teachers are those who are in their 3rd year of their degree studies and have prior teaching experience. The intent of this qualitative paper is to assess the challenges experi-enced by the preservice teachers and the tactics used by them to manage these challenges, during their first week of teaching practice. The challenges reported herein were thematically analysed after extrap-olating from the participants’ narratives and presented within the context of the Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle. Findings from this study reveal that there are several factors within and outside the control of the student teacher that affect the practicum experience. Further, the preservice teacher’s preparedness and emotional disposition significantly influence discharge of the duty. In the same vein, the mentor-mentee relations contribute a lot in making or breaking the practicum experience for student teachers in the UAE. The findings recommend further explorative assessments of the situation and necessary policy corrections in the preservice teacher education.

ISSN

1590-492X

Volume

27

Issue

66

First Page

1

Last Page

11

Disciplines

Education

Keywords

Gibbs’ reflective cycle, Pedagogy, Practicum, Preservice teachers, Teacher training

Scopus ID

85170036761

Indexed in Scopus

yes

Open Access

no

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