Analysis of Participants’ Perception of the Pilot Implementation of the Practicum Semester System: With a Focus on Colleges of Education

Purpose: This study sought to conduct a qualitative data analysis of the Practicum Semester Systemthat has been implemented as a pilot project to identify issues and challenges facing colleges ofEducation pertaining to the expansion of the system. Methods: To achieve this goal, a package of materials and presentation contents from the resultreporting session regarding the pilot Practicum Semester System project we are analyzed in the firstand second semesters of 2022. The qualitative document analysis drew upon the feedback from fivecolleges of Education that implemented the Practicum Semester System as a pilot project, five partnerschools, college students as the participants in this system, and students at partner schools. A seriesof common issues were derived through in vivo coding and subcoding with the use of a softwareprogram called MAXQDA 2022. Results: Based on the aggregated participant feedback, especially centering around the colleges ofEducation that implemented the pilot project, the following three issues were identified: i) capacitybuilding for the operators of the practicum semesters and related confusion, ii) needs of current issuesassociated with the partnership among colleges of Education, universities, partner schools and localoffices of Education and a strong will to address such issues, and iii) the specific demand for thepracticum semester implementation guidelines and differences between them. Conclusion: Based on these findings, this study presents policy implications for redefining the teachertraining framework, ensuring consistency between the current teacher training framework of collegesof education and the Practicum Semester System, exploring alternatives to the Practicum SemesterSystem’s operating model, reorganizing the curriculum of teacher training institutions and having asufficient workforce in place for the operation of the system.