The Micropolitics of Student Teachers’ Professional Vulnerability During Teaching Practicums: A Chinese Perspective

This research examines Chinese student teachers’ professional vulnerability through the lens of micropolitical theory. First, this research illustrates the participants’ five aspects of professional vulnerability during teaching practicums, which includes establishing professional relationships, negotiating the feasibility and ethics of different pedagogical approaches, conflicting commitment and responsibilities, peripheral positions and conflicting interests, and the politics of practicum implementation. Second, this study reveals how the participants navigate the hierarchical power dynamics embedded in the teaching practicums. Third, this study demonstrates that the micropolitical realities of the teaching practicums affect the Chinese STs’ professional vulnerabilities. The implications for improving teaching practicums, especially student teaching in China and beyond, are discussed.