Changing Needs of Special Education Preservice Teachers in the Practicum

Self-determination theory (SDT) suggests that people strive to fulfill three basic needs of competence, autonomy, and relatedness. In teacher education research, fulfilling those is connected positive skill development increased wellbeing preservice teachers their students. Teacher programs for special (SEPT) include a professional experience in various school settings with neurodiverse This gives rise specific these SEPT. In-depth interviews were conducted 12 SEPT, studying at stages two programs. The findings analyzed qualitatively. Results revealed developing changing throughout the educational program, reflecting different phases experience. SDT was found be useful framework interpret findings. Implications designing are discussed.