Challenges in the preparation of EFL students in faculties of education in Egypt
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: This study investigated the challenges faced by English as a foreign language (EFL) teacher trainees enrolled in Track 1 (elementary education) and Track 3 (intermediate/preparatory education) programs within Egyptian faculties of education. Employing a mixed-methods approach, data were collected through classroom observations, student surveys, and in-depth semi-structured interviews to explore the multifaceted challenges encountered by these future educators. Analysis revealed significant difficulties related to language proficiency, specifically insufficient English language skills upon program entry and ongoing struggles to develop the specialized academic language skills necessary for effective teaching. Furthermore, participants consistently reported challenges in cultivating the cultural awareness essential for navigating diverse classroom contexts. These difficulties were compounded by curriculum inadequacies, including a lack of emphasis on practical teaching skills, limited opportunities for cultural integration within the curriculum, and insufficient alignment with specific academic disciplines. The study's findings underscore the critical need for a comprehensive overhaul of EFL teacher training programs in Egypt. This necessitates a more interdisciplinary approach that prioritizes curriculum reform, incorporating improved teaching methodologies, and significantly enhancing the development of cultural competence among future EFL teachers to better equip them for the complex realities of the Egyptian educational landscape. Recommendations for addressing these challenges, including increased resources, enhanced professional development, and a more holistic pedagogical approach, are discussed.
Author: Mohamed Mekheimer
Institution: Beni-Suef University
Language: English
Subfield: Language and Linguistics
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,180
OpenAlex ID: W4409489145