Research Article

University Life During the Pandemic: Experiences and Expectations of Teacher Candidates

Volume: 12 Number: Özel Sayı November 30, 2025
TR EN

University Life During the Pandemic: Experiences and Expectations of Teacher Candidates

Abstract

This study aims to understand the experiences of pre-service teachers who began their university education during the Fall semester of 2020–2021, amidst the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Designed as a qualitative case study, the research analyses letters written thematically by students who started university online and were permitted to attend only a single face-to-face course. The data reveal the emotional, academic, and social challenges students faced, as well as the coping strategies they developed during this period. The findings show that participants experienced feelings of loneliness, alienation, and uncertainty; however, they also attempted to overcome these difficulties by internalising their teacher identity, building resilience, and seeking solidarity. These findings underscore the critical need for robust psychosocial support mechanisms for preservice teachers in higher education during crises.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

Yok

Project Number

Proje değil

Ethical Statement

Başkent Üniversitesi Sosyal ve Beşeri Bilimlerden etik kurul onayı alınmıştır. (E-62310886-605-369253 sayı ve 15 Ağustos 2024 tarih)

References

  1. Basım, H. N., & Cetin, F. (2011). The reliability and validity of the Resilience Scale for Adults-Turkish version. Turkish Journal of Psychiatry, 22(2), 104–114.
  2. Beaumont, E. (2016). Building resilience by cultivating compassion. Counselling and Psychotherapy Journal, 27(4), 22–27.
  3. Clandinin, D. J., & Connelly, F. M. (2000). Narrative inquiry: Experience and story in qualitative research. Jossey-Bass.
  4. Çelik, H. (2017). Öğretmen adaylarının psikolojik dayanıklıkları ile umutsuzluk düzeyleri arasındaki ilişkinin incelenmesi. Milli Eğitim Dergisi, 216, 389–408.
  5. Demirbaş, N. (2010). Yaşamda anlam ve yılmazlık [Master’s thesis, Hacettepe University]. Hacettepe University.
  6. Fokkens-Bruinsma, M., Tigelaar, E. H., van Rijswijk, M. M., & Jansen, E. P. W. A. (2024). Preservice teachers’ resilience during times of COVID-19. Teachers and Teaching, 30(7–8), 1083–1096. https://doi.org/10.1080/13540602.2023.2172391
  7. Gürgan, U. (2006). Development of the Resilience Scale (RS): Reliability and validity studies. Ankara University Journal of Faculty of Educational Sciences, 39(2), 45–74.
  8. Güngör, S. (2017). Öğretmen adaylarının psikolojik dayanıklık düzeylerinin bazı değişkenler açısından incelenmesi. OPUS Uluslararası Toplum Araştırmaları Dergisi, 7(13), 746–761. https://doi.org/10.26466/opus.405751

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Teacher Education and Professional Development of Educators

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

November 30, 2025

Submission Date

July 25, 2025

Acceptance Date

November 4, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 12 Number: Özel Sayı

APA
Akbaba Altun, S. (2025). University Life During the Pandemic: Experiences and Expectations of Teacher Candidates. Baskent University Journal of Education, 12(Özel Sayı), 16-34. https://izlik.org/JA35LC57YS
AMA
1.Akbaba Altun S. University Life During the Pandemic: Experiences and Expectations of Teacher Candidates. BUJE. 2025;12(Özel Sayı):16-34. https://izlik.org/JA35LC57YS
Chicago
Akbaba Altun, Sadegül. 2025. “University Life During the Pandemic: Experiences and Expectations of Teacher Candidates”. Baskent University Journal of Education 12 (Özel Sayı): 16-34. https://izlik.org/JA35LC57YS.
EndNote
Akbaba Altun S (November 1, 2025) University Life During the Pandemic: Experiences and Expectations of Teacher Candidates. Baskent University Journal of Education 12 Özel Sayı 16–34.
IEEE
[1]S. Akbaba Altun, “University Life During the Pandemic: Experiences and Expectations of Teacher Candidates”, BUJE, vol. 12, no. Özel Sayı, pp. 16–34, Nov. 2025, [Online]. Available: https://izlik.org/JA35LC57YS
ISNAD
Akbaba Altun, Sadegül. “University Life During the Pandemic: Experiences and Expectations of Teacher Candidates”. Baskent University Journal of Education 12/Özel Sayı (November 1, 2025): 16-34. https://izlik.org/JA35LC57YS.
JAMA
1.Akbaba Altun S. University Life During the Pandemic: Experiences and Expectations of Teacher Candidates. BUJE. 2025;12:16–34.
MLA
Akbaba Altun, Sadegül. “University Life During the Pandemic: Experiences and Expectations of Teacher Candidates”. Baskent University Journal of Education, vol. 12, no. Özel Sayı, Nov. 2025, pp. 16-34, https://izlik.org/JA35LC57YS.
Vancouver
1.Sadegül Akbaba Altun. University Life During the Pandemic: Experiences and Expectations of Teacher Candidates. BUJE [Internet]. 2025 Nov. 1;12(Özel Sayı):16-34. Available from: https://izlik.org/JA35LC57YS

Başkent Univesity Journal of Education has been published in Dergipark (https://dergipark.org.tr/en/pub/bujoe) since volume 10 and issue 2, 2023. 

The previous web site (https://buje.baskent.edu.tr) was closed on 21 Oct. 2024 . You can reach the past issues at the bottom part home page.