A Study on Current State and Perception of the Practicum Process among Pre-service Secondary Music Teachers

The purpose of this study explores the current status and perceptions of practicum programs among 140 prospective secondary music teachers in South Korea who completed their practicum in 2023. The findings reveal the need for improvements in orientation programs conducted at practicum schools and in guidance on "school responsibilities and teacher roles" provided by supervising teachers. A four-week practicum period was considered ideal by most participants. Increased observation of music classes was linked to higher satisfaction, while the frequency of teaching demonstrations had no significant impact. The results also indicate the need for improvements in practicum duration and the availability of facilities at practicum schools. Additionally, practicum experiences influenced participants’perceptions of ideal practicum environments, content, and the importance of effective guidance. These findings highlight the importance of revising practicum programs to address these issues. Further in-depth research is recommended to explore practicum duration, observation, teaching demonstrations, and factors influencing prospective teachers’perceptions before and after the practicum.