Examining Theory-Practice Connection in a Pre-Service English Teacher Education Project
TESOL, ELT, Applied Linguistics, EFL, ESL, TEFL
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How to Cite

Canlıer, D., Yazıcılar, Ümran, & Ünver, G. (2020). Examining Theory-Practice Connection in a Pre-Service English Teacher Education Project. Journal of Language Teaching and Learning, 10(1), 38-56. Retrieved from https://www.jltl.com.tr/index.php/jltl/article/view/209

Abstract

The disconnection between theory and practice in teacher education has been an important issue which partly stems from the lack of real classroom practice. There are attempts to overcome this problem and the Project “Give me a Hand” is one of them. This case study aims to determine the impacts of the Project regarding theory-practice connection. The findings derived from the semi-structured interviews and classroom observations revealed that teaching experience, mentoring, and self-evaluation were the activities promoting theory-practice connection. Also, the teacher candidates’ transffering the theoretical knowledge into practice, questioning the practice, explaining the theoretical ground for their practice were found to be other promoting aspects of the Project. However, some shortcomings were determined which hinder the theory-practice connection. Some suggestions were proposed by the participants to correct these shortcomings. The Project might provide new insights to teacher educators who seek ways to bridge theory and practice.

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