Abstract

The practicum is an important component of teacher preparation where students have the opportunity to practice what they have learnt in university and realize the challenges they will face at school. This study examines the practicum in the Faculties of Education in Egypt, which is conducted in the third and fourth year of the Bachelor of Arts program. Using qualitative methods the study attempts to explore the structure and organization of the practicum in four different Faculties of Education and examines closely the implementation of the practicum in an additional two Faculties of Education. The study interviewed professors from all six Faculties of Education. This was then followed by interviews with the directors of the practicum units, as well as focus groups for students in years three and four were conducted in the examined two Faculties of Education. The findings show that the main strength of the practicum is the experience student teachers acquire in schools and especially in dealing with students. Additional strengths arose with the implementation practices of the program and these are the formation of a strong structure of peer support and the development of critical thinking skills. The practicum exhibited weaknesses in administration, supervision, assessment, links between universities and schools, mentorship or supervision to all those involved and overall insufficient preparation of student teachers. There is a clear need to develop the practicum programs and form strong links between the Faculties of Education, schools, and Ministry of Education to provide student teachers with a beneficial experience.

Department

International & Comparative Education Department

Degree Name

MA in International & Comparative Education

Graduation Date

Fall 1-27-2013

Submission Date

July 2016

First Advisor

Zaalouk, Malak

Second Advisor

NA

Third Advisor

NA

Committee Member 1

Purinton, Ted

Committee Member 2

Norman, Peggy

Committee Member 3

NA

Extent

150 p.

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Rights

The author retains all rights with regard to copyright. The author certifies that written permission from the owner(s) of third-party copyrighted matter included in the thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study has been obtained. The author further certifies that IRB approval has been obtained for this thesis, or that IRB approval is not necessary for this thesis. Insofar as this thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study is an educational record as defined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 USC 1232g), the author has granted consent to disclosure of it to anyone who requests a copy. The author has granted the American University in Cairo or its agents a non-exclusive license to archive this thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study, and to make it accessible, in whole or in part, in all forms of media, now or hereafter known.

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval

Approval has been obtained for this item

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