Becoming a Teacher: Challenges Faced During Practicum to Foster Essential Skills

Abstract

New knowledge-based economy has originated the necessity to develop new set of skills and experiences to meet the contemporary agenda of globalization. Therefore, moving out of classroom may provide opportunities to acquire new teaching ideas and materials and to hone professional skills. For such practicum a major component of teacher education programs, becomes crucial for Pre-service Teachers (PSTs). However, little is known about current practicum in teacher education program in Bangladesh. This study aims to explore if current practicum program is preparing PSTs with necessary skills or what challenges participants face in such process. Nine PSTs participated in this study and analyzed data indicates that participants were enthusiastic to foster critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication skills despite of several challenges. Interested stakeholders could benefit from such findings and could contribute by mitigating challenges for professional development activities of PSTs.