Challenges in Pre-Service Teachers’ Adoption of Innovative Teaching Practices During Practicum

This study investigates the challenges Azerbaijani pre-service teachers face in adopting innovative teaching practices during their practicum. Guided by the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework, the research employed a qualitative design using semi-structured interviews with sixteen final-year pre-service teachers across diverse subject areas and practicum schools. Thematic analysis revealed five interconnected challenges: (1) pedagogical difficulties in balancing traditional and modern approaches; (2) limited digital literacy and inadequate preparation for technology integration; (3) classroom management issues, particularly in overcrowded settings; (4) institutional and systemic constraints, including resource disparities and resistance to change; and (5) inconsistent mentorship and feedback from cooperating teachers. These findings highlight tensions between teacher education curricula and practicum realities, particularly in preparing future teachers to integrate technology meaningfully into classroom practice. The study emphasizes the need for curriculum reform, enhanced mentor training, and targeted professional development in digital pedagogy.