INVESTIGATING VIETNAMESE EFL PRE-SERVICE TEACHERS’ EXPECTATIONS OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHER EDUCATION TRAINING PROGRAM

Abstract

This qualitative study aims to find out Vietnamese EFL pre-service teachers’ expectations of the English Language Teacher Education (ELTE) training program that they have experienced at university. The findings of the study are intended to contribute to the development of the current ELTE training program. The study used a semi-structured interview activity as the only instrument for collecting data with the voluntary participation of nine 4 th year students of the ELTE training program. The interviews were used to explore in depth expectations of pre-service teachers for the three main issues, including pre-service teachers’ expectations of the curriculum of pedagogy, pre-service teachers’ expectations of the school-based teaching practices, and pre-service teachers’ expectations of the preparation for their future teaching careers. The results showed that the program overall met pre-service teachers’ needs, but there were still some expectations for the program that spanned across the key themes. Accordingly, the study provides recommendations for the training program on specific and important areas that contribute great value to the program.