The Challenges of Pre-Service Teachers in the New Normal Set up of Field Study Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The pandemic had a huge impact on many things and situations, particularly the new normal. The researchers
decided that a field study of pre-service teachers is one of them because no one has ever taken the course under the
new COVID-19 setup. The researchers aim to inform their readers about how the COVID-19 pandemic challenge will
affect every pre-service teacher in the new set-up of education through online learning. Purposive homogenous
sampling was used to choose 12 students from Rizal Technological University-Boni and Pasig Campuses. Researchers
chose typical students, non-workers, and university scholars as participants. Age, gender, and geography vary among
participants. Researchers used interviews supported by an interview script to gather replies. Pandemic-related
preparations have been taken. Thematic analysis is used to understand pre-service teachers' challenges in the new
field study setup. Pre-service teachers face challenges in this setting, according to the research most are struggling
because of the rapid move from traditional classes to the new typical format, causing unpreparedness and lack of
expertise when they face more complex situations. In addition, slow internet and a lack of resources make it difficult
to attend classes and meet prerequisites. Some have many restrictions, especially on classroom monitoring because
of the pandemic. The findings imply that the study's premise is significant and relevant in today's environment,
especially for individuals pursuing an education degree and becoming pre-service teachers. Pre-service teachers face
new obstacles in the new normal.