Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on student teachers: how the shift to online collaborative learning affects student teachers’ learning and future teaching in a Chinese context

Abstract In March 2020, universities in China transitioned to online education response the COVID-19 pandemic and intensified focus on collaboration learning. However, little is known about impact of undertaking collaborative learning (OCL) student teachers’ views process their own teaching This qualitative study examined 18 experience OCL way it affected them as learners future teachers. The participants reported that helped develop varied had a positive effect use OCL. They saw personal an important aspect development These findings highlight ways can shape professionalism Future teacher training programs provide at early stage help transform self-understanding from teacher. this further reveal offers teachers opportunity collaborate, discuss, reflect professional encourages educators reconsider how new forms practice theories be woven together more effectively post-COVID training.