The Exploration of Pre-Service EFL Teachers' Challenges in Teaching Practice

This study investigates the challenges and strategies of pre-service English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers from the English Language Education Department at UIN Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh, focusing on students who have completed their teaching practice. Employing qualitative methods, this research conducts semi-structured interviews with six participants to delve into the complexities faced by these future teachers. The study identifies critical challenges such as lesson planning, classroom management, and student engagement, which significantly influence their teaching effectiveness. It also explores the various adaptive strategies these pre-service teachers utilize to overcome these obstacles, including modifying teaching methods and leveraging mentorship. The findings reveal a dynamic interaction between the challenges faced and the innovative solutions applied, highlighting the need for comprehensive training programs that adequately prepare future EFL teachers. This research contributes to the broader discourse on teacher education by emphasizing the importance of practical experience in effectively translating theoretical knowledge into classroom practice, thereby enhancing the preparedness and confidence of pre-service teachers at UIN Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh.