An Educator’s Professional Identity Transformation: PST a “chaotic” transformation
Keywords:
Pre-service teachers, Professional identity, Social theory, Simulated teaching, Practicum, Community of practice, Teacher preparation program.Abstract
The study presented a situative understanding of ESL PSTs’ PI construction. This study differs from other studies on PI development in presenting a clear and holistic description of the emerging PI versions, starting with simulated teaching classes and through the teaching practicum stage. Four different types of PI (Low PI, High PI, PI crisis and PI awareness) emerged while PSTs were doing their teaching practice. PSTs start their simulated teaching at university with low PI that is transformed into high PI through practice. Upon shifting to actual teaching at schools, PSTs’ evolving identity conflicts with their new community of practice resulting into PI crises and PI awareness later on. The study recommends more collaboration between policy makers, universities and schools to enhance the PSTs experience in constructing PI.
