International Association of Educators   |  ISSN: 1308-951X

Original article | International Journal of Research in Teacher Education 2013, Vol. 4(3) 10-23

Challenges Faced By Novice Language Teachers: Support, Identity, And Pedagogy In The Initial Years Of Teaching

Pınar KARATAŞ & A. Cendel KARAMAN

pp. 10 - 23   |  Manu. Number: ijrte.2013.009

Published online: December 01, 2013  |   Number of Views: 247  |  Number of Download: 943


Abstract

Beginning teachers experience various challenges as they strive to develop their teaching in new environments. In this paper, we explore the challenges faced by novice language teachers and the support needed to address these. For this purpose, recent studies on the experiences of novice language teachers were reviewed. Three major themes were prevalent in research on this issue: support, identity and pedagogy. In the paper, we discuss each area and a selection of related studies. In addition, to present a specific case, we highlight the results of an exploratory semi-structured interview we conducted with a novice language teacher at a university in Cyprus. The results underscore the criticality of addressing challenges faced in initial years of teaching. Since beginning teachers make decisions to either stay in the profession or drop out, instead of alienating novice teachers, educational leaders ought to organize collaborative opportunities with beginning teachers. Such endeavors may help provide the necessary environment fostering safety, belonging, and self-esteem for novice teachers.

Keywords: Novice teachers; language teacher education; novice English teacher; Cyprus


How to Cite this Article?

APA 6th edition
KARATAS, P. & KARAMAN, A.C. (2013). Challenges Faced By Novice Language Teachers: Support, Identity, And Pedagogy In The Initial Years Of Teaching. International Journal of Research in Teacher Education, 4(3), 10-23.

Harvard
KARATAS, P. and KARAMAN, A. (2013). Challenges Faced By Novice Language Teachers: Support, Identity, And Pedagogy In The Initial Years Of Teaching. International Journal of Research in Teacher Education, 4(3), pp. 10-23.

Chicago 16th edition
KARATAS, Pinar and A. Cendel KARAMAN (2013). "Challenges Faced By Novice Language Teachers: Support, Identity, And Pedagogy In The Initial Years Of Teaching". International Journal of Research in Teacher Education 4 (3):10-23.