Pedagogical Practice as a Foundation Course for the Development of Professional Skills

Abstract

The study aims to identify the factors that have contributed in the student teacher’s professional preparation through the students' attitudes towards pedagogical practice. The study is quantitative based on the descriptive-correlative design. The instrument used for data collection is the questionnaire. The respondents that participated in the research are students from two study programmes (Primary and Preschool) in the University of Prishtina "Hasan Prishtina" and also students of two programmes (Preschool and Primary) in the University of Gjilan "Kadri Zeka". The total of the respondents in the research is N=280 students. The results from Pearson's correlation show very strong positive correlations between students' opportunities to practice their knowledge with preschool and primary students, favourable school environment and their support from mentor teachers. The results also reflect other factors that contribute to the professional preparation of student teachers such as: the sufficiency of the days/hours of pedagogical practices, the subjects that have contributed to their professional knowledge, the challenges they have encountered during the pedagogical practices, as well as the satisfaction they have experienced during their studies. The research is important as it identifies and describes the factors that contribute to the professional preparation of student teachers.