Abstract:

This study aims to evaluate the English Language Teacher Education practicum offered at a state university in Turkey to discover (1) the strengths and weaknesses of the programme and (2) the needs and problems experienced by student teachers. Data were collected through an adapted version of the Survey of Teacher Education Programs (STEP) (Williams-Pettway, 2005) given to student teachers and graduates, focus group interviews with student teachers, and interviews with supervisors. The results indicate that diversity and technology components of the teacher education programme received lower ratings from both groups. Strengths associated with the practicum experience included having the chance to teach in classrooms, discussions and peer feedback, observing various grade levels, good relationship with cooperating teachers, and guidance by university supervisors. The reported needs pointed to a desire for more observation, seeing different school contexts, more cooperation with cooperating teachers, and improvement in the assessment procedures, and technology use

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