Background: Mixed reality simulations (MRSs) offer a platform for novice teachers to practice teaching in the absence of real children. Though prior research suggests simulated practice can be beneficial for novice teachers, these studies describe widely varying designs and implementations across teacher education programs (TEPs). As such, we lack…

This open access book discusses the functionality of the use of the language of photography in teachers' initial and ongoing training. It analyzes the nature of photography as a representation system, facilitating inquiry and reflection on its practice for teachers and evocating on theories and beliefs that may guide their work in classrooms.…

Purpose: This paper aims to investigate how school-based mentors and preservice teachers (PTs) perceive mentoring conversations when applying a set of newly developed digital tools accompanied by discursive tools in mentoring in practicum. Design/methodology/approach: This study performed a thematic analysis of 12 interviews (5 with mentors and 7…

Pre-service teachers' self-efficacy growth utilizing reflective practice, particularly amidst sudden onlineness, seems not to have been well studied within the Indonesian English as a foreign language context. As in-service teachers need to have some self-efficacy when facing such unprecedented changes, it is essential that reflective practice and…

With the declaration of COVID-19 as a global pandemic in March 2020, primary and secondary schools were closed abruptly, and pre-service teachers had to attend virtual practicum through online platforms. The present study investigates the implementation of emergency remote teaching in a practicum. The study aims at providing an insight into…

Internationally, the practicum is a cornerstone of initial teacher education in preparing pre-service teachers to enter the teaching profession. This edited collection expands theory and research in pedagogies of practicum by examining different ways teacher education programs across the globe experienced, modified, and innovated the practicum in…

The authors of this paper discuss the use of Virtual Reality (VR) as a tool for building meaningful connections in science education across different grade levels. The authors elaborate on their experiences with using VR in teacher training programs, in practicum and student teaching experiences, and in providing a professional development…

Purpose: The purpose of this report is to elevate the collective understanding of what it means to be and become a TESOL professional and what differentiates "TESOLers" from other teachers. We have intentionally prepared this report as an Open Educational Resource (OER), so it can be freely shared with an international audience. Methods:…

Researchers have shown that mentoring has a positive impact on student teachers' professional learning during their practicum, but it can also be highly problematic due to the inherent power roles in mentor-mentee relationships. Via this study, I offer new insights by examining how we can leverage information technology to address the tensions…

Currently pre-service teachers (PSTs) practise teaching by interacting in real-life situations naturally occurring within variable school-based practicums. These are not ideal contexts for beginning teachers because they put novices in situations with real students before demonstrating capability, feedback is often not at point of need and they do…

Recent calls to improve the quality of education in schools have drawn attention to the importance of teachers' preparation for work in classroom settings. Although the practicum has long been the traditional means for pre-service teachers to learn and practice classroom teaching, it does not always offer student teachers the time, safe practice…

Online education has become a prevalent means of program and course delivery, especially within teacher education programs. However, the lack of preparation in online design is concerning, especially in the field of teacher education where the focus is preparing preservice and practicing teachers to implement effective, evidence-based…

This study evaluated the effectiveness of the "simSchool" (v.1) simulation as a tool for preparing student teachers for actual classroom teaching. Twenty-two student teachers used the simulation for a practice session and two test sessions; data included objective performance statistics generated by the simulation program, self-rated…

All teacher education programs require teacher candidates to have in-school practicum experiences. Placing student teachers in schools is not always easy, however, and it is getting harder. According to the field experience office at the University of Minnesota, Duluth, it is getting more difficult to find schools where the teacher candidates can…