Pre-service language teachers in their practical experience during the times of a pandemic

Abstract

The teaching practicum, a crucial element of pre-service teacher education programs, is particularly valuable for introducing pre-service teachers to the subject. Also, it gives them direct understanding as they develop their teaching careers. It also has considerable relevance since it brings together several individuals to assist the progress of pre-service teachers' teaching knowledge and skills, including academics and mentor teachers. During the early year 2020, a pandemic was generated due to the SARS-COVID 19 virus. This pandemic changed the teaching practicum paradigms of a group of pre-service teachers in Western Mexico. The paper reveals situations faced by a group of Mexican language student-teachers when moving their original face-to-face teaching strategy to online. The research approach chosen is predominantly qualitative. Research methods used were online surveys and online interviews. Findings revealed that participants coped with several drawbacks, but they also expressed positive points in favor of doing language teaching practicum online.