SUMMER PRACTICUM PARTNERSHIP: IMPACT ON EFFICACY OF PRESERVICE TEACHERS

Abstract

This paper describes a partnership between a college of education at a Christian university in the southwest U.S. and a local high school where preservice teachers completed their practicum (field experience) during summer school. The benefits to and efficacy of the preservice teachers were examined using a qualitative postprogram survey. The results indicated that the authentic teaching experience provided the main benefit of the partnership and had the greatest impact on teacher efficacy. The preservice teachers also cited the experience of working with mentor teachers and connecting with high school students as impacting their confidence, and their efficacy was affected by the opportunity to observe their mentor teachers in the field.