EFL Student-Teachers’ Perceptions of Teaching Competency Development in Virtual Practicum Courses

The Covid-۱۹ pandemic caused significant disruptions in educational practices worldwide, leading to a sudden shift from traditional face-to-face instruction to virtual learning environments. This paper investigates EFL (English as a Foreign Language) student-teachers' perceptions of their teaching competency development during virtual practicum classes amidst the pandemic. The study employs a qualitative case study approach to explore the experiences of thirty student teachers from the Farhangian University of Teacher Education in Tehran. Findings highlight the opportunities and challenges faced by these student-teachers, their perceived readiness for teaching roles, and the impact of virtual practicum classes on their professional growth.