Perceived Factors Of A Quality Student Teaching Experience

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of student teachers and university supervisors regarding four factors that contribute to a quality student teaching experience: mentor teacher, university supervisor, clinical environment, and student teacher. Data in this concurrent mixed method study were collected from student teachers and university supervisor using surveys and focus groups. Data were collected from surveys and focus groups concurrently, analyzed separately, and merged for interpretation. Of all four factors, the mentor teacher was identified as the most important factor in a quality student teaching experience. Four other primary conclusions relate to the most important attributes of each factor that contribute to a quality student teaching experience. The implications of this study confirm the need for appropriate selection and preparation of mentor teachers, faculty in clinical environments, and university supervisors in order to offer the highest quality student teaching experience.