The Observational Practicum: A Stepping-Stone to Praxis in TESOL

Abstract

While a practicum is usually regarded as a place to practice teaching, or as a place to turn what one has learned in the classroom into real practice, an observational practicum can also substantially further one’s professional growth. Indeed, an observational practicum can be an ideal site for novice ESOL practitioners to develop the groundwork of praxis, which requires reflection and action in teaching to provide students with meaningful L2 learning. Drawing from scholastic literature in TESOL and her own observational practicum experience, the author advocates conducting an observational practicum as a means to practice seeing teaching before intensively doing teaching.