Student teacher learning during practicum experience

This article explores the focus of student teacher learning during practicum experience in two initial teacher education programmes. Data was gathered through case studies and a cohort questionnaire. Three professional learning themes were identified: managing the learning environment, pedagogy, and being a teacher. Initially the student teachers learnt about the context in which they would teach. During practicum the professional learning reported was focussed on strategies to manage the learning environment, the process of teaching and what it is like to be a teacher. Ultimately, some of the student teachers reported learning about teaching in ways that cater for diverse learning needs of their students. These findings can inform the focus of learning expectations for students on practicum experience within initial teacher education programmes.\ud \ud Keywords: student teachers; practicum; teacher professional learning, initial teacher education