Online teaching practicum during COVID-19: the case of a teacher education program in Greece. (30th March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Brinia, Vasiliki; Psoni, Paraskevi
• Is Part Of: Journal of applied research in higher education. Volume 14:Number 2(2022)
• Page Start: 610
• Page End: 624
• Publication Date: 2021-03-30
• Subjects: Online practicum in teaching -- Virtual practicum in teaching -- Best-practices in online teaching -- Teaching during COVID-19 -- Skills for teacher-candidates -- Skills for teaching online; Education, Higher -- Research -- Periodicals; Education, Higher -- Research -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 378.00711
• DOI: 10.1108/JARHE-07-2020-0223
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2050-7003

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: Through the present study, the authors investigate whether online practicum in teaching, with fellow teacher-candidates acting as students, can be effective and whether the teacher-candidates actually developed skills useful for their future teachings, through this form of practicum, which is necessary when, out of necessity, like in the case of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is no other option for universities. Design/methodology/approach: The method selected was qualitative research through in-depth interviews, since the present research question and the research topic in general have not been examined in the past. The authors gathered 45 teacher-candidates' journals on this experience, and, then, they interviewed them through semi-structured interviews. Findings: The findings indicated that the teacher-candidates got acquainted with new technologies in education to a great extent. Moreover, they developed skills that will be proven useful for their future teachings, like adaptability, flexibility and handling of students' interaction in online settings. Originality/value: The present case study consists of a paradigm of international value, since it fills in a gap in literature on an online alternative of practicum in teaching in cases of crisis, like the COVID-19 pandemic. Valuable insights are gained for researchers, practitioners and policymakers and best-practices for online teaching practicum have derived for future use.