Ethical Formation in the Practicum: Mentoring Pre-service Teachers in the Face of Contemporary Educational Challenges

• In Event: Virtual Poster Session
  In Virtual iPresentation Only: Division K - Section 05: Pre-Service Teacher Coursework and Clinical Practice Virtual Poster Session

Abstract

This study explores how school-based mentors perceive, interpret, and respond to ethical dilemmas encountered by pre-service teachers during the practicum. Based on a questionnaire administered to 50 mentors in the Primary Education programme at the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, the findings reveal a limited recognition of ethical tensions, low levels of perceived preparedness, and the absence of formal tools or shared protocols. While most mentors affirm that ethical guidance is part of their role and often act accordingly, their responses are largely informal and unsupported. The study highlights a systemic gap in mentor training and practicum design, calling for the explicit integration of ethical reflection and structured mentoring within initial teacher education to support the development of ethically grounded professionals.

Authors

• Laia Lluch Molins, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya

• Eduard Masdeu-Yélamos, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya