Impact of COVID 19 Pandemic on Learning Experiences of Teachers-in– Training: Case of Second Year Student Teachers

Abstract

This study was qualitative descriptive case study. The main aim of the study was to assess the impact of COVID 19 Pandemic on the learning experiences of second year student teachers on teaching practice during the COVID 19 Pandemic. Seven student teachers from a class of 55 were purposively sampled and interviewed. Semi-structured interviews were used. Data collected was transcribed and coded . Inductive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Results indicate that there were both negative and positive impacts on the student teachers learning experiences due to the COVID 19 Pandemic. The major negative impacts were the disruption of the teaching practice sequence to the extent that they could not thoroughly master some of the competencies due to the limited contact time with the school pupils and  mentors during the prolonged lock down,  Some of the student teachers indicated that to some extent, there was also negative effect on their mental health and social life as they were continually under stress due to the unpredictableness of the outcomes of the pandemic. This resulted in learning gaps. On the other hand there were positive side of the COVID 19 Pandemic. The shift to blended learning and integration of technology in the assessment of teaching practice was a major advancement in the teacher training profession. In addition, the students developed resilience and a spirit of solidarity which gave them a sense of belonging and caring for each other during hard times.