THE IMPACT OF INTERNSHIPS ON CAREER ORIENTATION OF ENGLISH PEDAGOGY STUDENTS

Tóm tắt

This research investigates the influence of internships on the career orientation of students in
Vietnam. Employing a mixed-method design, the research combines quantitative data from 100 survey
students and qualitative insights from interview with four students completing their teaching internship.
It is revealed that internships play an important role in developing pedagogical skills, clarifying career
goals, and improving professional confidence of students. Three main factors impacting career orientation
consist of teaching responsibilities, mentorship quality, and support from the internship schools. It is
indicated that most of the students enhanced lesson planning abilities, classroom management skills,
and a more obvious comprehension of their advantages and disadvantages in teaching. In addition, it
is also emphasized that the difficulties faced by interns, such as time pressure, classroom management
challenges, and not enough mentor support. Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory (ELT) and Social
Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) is applied in this research to explain how learning experiences shape
professional recognitions and career decisions of students. Based on the findings, recommendations are
suggested to enhance internship program structures and great support future English pedagogy students
in their career growth.