The perceptions of pedagogical courses in preparing future teachers for the real classroom: Perceptions of preservice teachers

Abstract

The aim of this study is to reveal the perceptions of pre-service teachers on the effectiveness of the pedagogical courses they had throughout their formal education. For this purpose, 141 preservice teachers who were about to finish their studies and to start their professional life were asked to evaluate the pedagogical courses in preparing them for their future profession. A questionnaire which had two main parts was developed in order to reveal pre-service teachers' perceptions. In the first part, they indicated their ideas about the effectiveness of each pedagogical course such as Methodology Courses, Skills Teaching, Teaching English to Young Learners, Approaches to English Language Teaching or Practicum and in the second part, they wrote down their opinions regarding which aspects of teaching these courses were more effective in the actual classroom teaching. Pre-service teachers stated their opinions regarding aspects of various classroom teaching such as motivating students, time management, using classroom language effectively, etc. The results of the study present implications in adjusting teacher education programs in equipping future teachers with necessary skills and knowledge