Challenges and Experiences of Pre-service Teachers in Teaching Internship during the New Normal

Abstract

Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs) in the Philippines were enjoined to implement the necessary modifications in the delivery of teaching internship given their context and available resources during the global Covid- 19 pandemic. Teaching internship courses were made experiential, using the different new normal learning modalities; developmental through coaching and mentoring, and aligned with the Learning Continuity Plan (LCP) and Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELCs). This study aimed to determine the challenges and experienced encountered by the Apayao State College (ASC) pre- service teachers in their internship during the pandemic. The study made use of the mixed approach or combination of qualitative and quantitative approach of research. Results revealed that the mean age of the respondents is 24 years old and pre- dominantly female respondents. They were involved in the various activities of the schools during their internship. They had encountered challenges such as ICT integration, new modalities of teaching- learning, social interactions, internet connectivity and instructional material preparations. Furthermore, they identified positive learning experiences during their internship but encountered problems along ICT skills and usage, time management, skills of the students with new platforms and adjustment to no face-to-face classes during their teaching internship.