EXPLORING THE EXPERIENCES AND CHALLENGES OF B.ED STUDENT-TEACHERS: IMPLEMENTING ACTION RESEARCH TO ENHANCE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

This study explores how action research can bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical teaching, and support professional development among B.Ed. student-teachers at private universities in Karachi. This research explores the experiences of student-teachers through in-depth semi-structured interviews. It identifies barriers in implementing action research: time management, as students struggle to allocate enough time for research; insufficient research skills, as many feel unprepared to design or conduct research; difficulty applying findings in classrooms, making it hard to translate theory into practice; and fear of failure, which leads to hesitation and reduced participation. Based on these findings, actionable strategies are proposed, including enhanced research training, dedicated time for research, collaborative action research projects, and stronger integration of action research into the curriculum to improve its quality in teacher education. The study aims to foster ongoing professional development among future educators, preparing them for the challenges of an evolving educational landscape.