Pre-Service English Language Teacher Education and the First Years of Teaching: Perspectives from Cyprus

ABSTRACT

This study examined the effectiveness of pre-service education in Cyprus, in preparing primary teachers to teach English in primary state schools. A survey and follow up interviews were employed to investigate the following: a) Novice teachers’ perceptions of their preparedness to teach English after completing a 4-year Teacher Education program, and b) Challenges encountered during induction years in relation to English language teaching (ELT). Findings point to the inadequacy of pre-service education in Cyprus, in this regard, and call for the reconceptualization of the current practices for preparing primary teachers for the actualities of ELT in state schools.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.