Evaluating the Shift: Prospective Teachers' Experiences with Distance Teaching Practicums

During the COVID-19 pandemic, traditional on-site teaching practicums transitioned to online formats, raising questions about whether these distance practicums offered equivalent experiences for prospective teachers. This study investigated the perceived efficacy of a distance teaching practicum program among Indonesian prospective English teachers during the pandemic. Specifically, it examined factors influencing these perceptions. Utilizing a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with three purposefully selected participants who had engaged in the distance practicum. The data were analyzed through thematic analysis, with member checking employed to ensure credibility. The findings revealed that the participants viewed the distance practicum as less effective than traditional on-site practicums. Contributing factors included insufficient feedback from mentor teachers, a lack of synchronous meetings, poor communication, and inadequate explanations. To enhance the effectiveness of future distance teaching practicums, these issues must be addressed.