EXPLORING THE PROFESSIONAL GROWTH OF ENGLISH EDUCATION STUDY PROGRAM STUDENTS DURING TEACHING PRACTICUM AT SCHOOLS

Teaching practicum serves as a crucial phase in bridging theoretical knowledge and real-world teaching practice for pre-service teachers. This study aims to explore the professional growth experienced by English Education Study Program students during their teaching practicum at schools. Employing a qualitative approach with a open-ended questions design, data were collected through google forms, involving 66 English education students who had completed their teaching practicum. The findings revealed that students experienced significant professional growth across three main domains. The first one, enhanced pedagogical competence, including classroom management and instructional material development. Second, strengthened professional identity and teaching confidence. And third, improved social adaptability and communication skills within the school environment. This research applied a descriptive qualitative method. The subjects were 66 English Education Study Program Students. Data were collected through open-ended question by google forms.. self-reflection and guidance from mentor teachers and university supervisors played a vital role in fostering their growth. This study concludes that the teaching practicum acts as a transformative platform for future English teachers in constructing their professional competence.