Pre service Teacher Training Programs in the Philippines: The Student teachers Practicum Teaching Experience
Pre service teacher training is one of the most important aspects of every teacher's education curriculum as it prepares student teachers to become qualified teachers in the future. This paper explored the pre service teacher training programs in the Philippines through the practicum experience of the 21 junior and senior BSEd and BA English student teachers from a private university in Mindanao, Philippines. Data were taken from classroom observations, group interview, and modified questionnaire. The findings revealed that there was a different standard policy of pre service teacher training programs for BSEd and BA English. While BSEd English concentrated on developing professional teachers for secondary schools, BA English focused on developing not just teachers but professionals with exceptional communication skills. The student teachers also reported some challenges in practicum teaching; classroom management, teaching confidence, and lack of teaching resources. Some solutions to overcome the challenges were suggested.