Inha University, First Nationwide Private College of Education to Pilot 'Practical Training Semester System'

Professors from Inha University College of Education and student teachers participating in the '2022 Semester-based Educational Practice Evaluation Meeting' held at Inha University College of Education Affiliated Middle School are taking a commemorative photo. [Photo by Inha University]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyesook] Inha University College of Education has completed the pilot operation of the practicum semester system for the 2022 academic year in collaboration with Inha University College of Education Affiliated Middle School, becoming the first private college of education nationwide to do so.

Supported by the Ministry of Education, Inha University conducted a five-month pilot operation of the practicum semester system in Korean and Mathematics subjects starting from March, and held an evaluation meeting on the 19th.

The pilot operation of the practicum semester system is the first among private colleges of education nationwide. Previously, the Ministry of Education announced plans to fully implement the practicum semester system, which expands the current four-week practicum to one semester, starting with students admitted in the 2026 academic year.

Fourth-year student teachers participating in the pilot practicum semester system cited increased understanding of overall school operations during the semester as a positive aspect. They stated that participation in school events, conducting long-term class-specific activities, student guidance, lesson planning and instruction, and confirming teaching aptitude helped prepare them as educators.

Mentor teachers at the practicum schools also evaluated that the participation of student teachers ensured diversity in lesson planning and operation, and was helpful for subject lesson research and class management.

However, they pointed out that the workload of practicum mentor teachers increased throughout the semester, indicating the need for improvement measures to stably introduce the practicum semester system in the future.

Based on the results of this pilot operation, Inha University College of Education plans to accelerate research on curriculum development reflecting regional characteristics and field conditions, as well as feasible practicum semester system models, in cooperation with the Incheon Metropolitan Office of Education and frontline schools.

Professor Kwon Nayoung, head of the Education Practicum Support Center at Inha University College of Education, said, "Although there were some difficulties in piloting the new practicum semester system while maintaining the existing practicum, we were able to complete it safely thanks to the active cooperation and support of the practicum partner schools," adding, "We hope that the pilot operation of the practicum semester system will mark the beginning of change and innovation to cultivate secondary pre-service teachers with professional teaching skills."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.