The practicum: A learning journey?

Abstract

This paper reports a four year study which investigated the final year practicum for a group of third year student teachers enrolled in a Bachelor of Teaching programme. The aim was to find out more about what happens during 'prac. teaching' or 'practicum' experiences, from the perspectives of the student teachers and their co­operating teachers and to see how learning opportunities could be maximised. The paper emphasises the notion of the practicum as a learning journey and raises questions about whose journey it is. It is argued that in order for the practicum to realise its potential as a significant learning experience for tomorrow's teachers, changes need to be made to the practicum, based on the notions of empowerment, collaboration and reflection. These changes are discussed in the paper.