Challenges Faced during Teaching Practicum at the University Level: Perspectives of Prospective Teachers

Teaching practice is crucial for becoming successful teachers in the future and gaining knowledge on how to teach students effectively. In this regard they faced different challenges during their teaching practice period. This study aimed to understand the major challenges faced by teachers during their teaching practicum period at fifteen universities in District Multan. The researchers used a descriptive research design and surveyed students from three universities: Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan, University of Education Lahore (Multan Campus), and Women University Multan. The education department and practicum students were highlighted. The study included 655 students in the department of education and 339 students as a sample. This study used a survey research design to collect data on teaching practicum challenges faced by prospective teachers at the university level. A questionnaire was developed with 39 statements, rank order, and open-ended questions. Supervisors, expert opinions, and a pilot study validated the questionnaire. The results showed acceptable reliability at 0.77 and 0.87, with a response rate of 84.75%. The data was analyzed using descriptive, inferential, and thematic methods, examining teachers' and supervisors' perceptions of challenges and solutions. The study found that prospective teachers face challenges in textbooks, curriculum, school management, administrative support, workload, classroom environment, and lesson planning. Female teachers face more challenges, while inadequate teaching methods and administrative opposition are less common.