A Needs Analysis Study for Teaching Practicum within English Language Teacher Training Programs in an EFL Context

Teaching practicum yields personal, professional, pedagogical, and social benefits for the stakeholders of the process, particularly pre-service teachers, but its absence may lead to various issues, including restricted practice, inadequate feedback, and insufficient collaboration. This study aimed to elucidate the concerns and requirements of the practicum for English Language Teacher Training (ELTT) programs within Turkish EFL context, regarding the stakeholders ’lenses, including nine pre-service teachers, seven cooperating teachers, and nine university supervisors, using a needs analysis design. The findings highlighted some certain needs referring to revision for practicum: Intensifying practicum periods, fostering feedback and a culture of collaboration among stakeholders, integrating technology, training cooperating teachers on mentorship practices, providing ongoing needs assessments within the EFL context to evaluate and adapt the practicum to meet demands and needs, adapting a holistic perspective in curriculum design of ELTT programs, and providing financial and administrative support to strengthen collaboration between universities and schools.