The purpose of this study was to establish the quality of education and a direction for effective
curriculum based on early childhood pre-service teachers’ difficulties in early childhood practicum
experience. Seventeen early childhood pre-service teachers participated in this study and the
participants’ reflective writings, teaching journals and opinions on their early childhood practicum
experience were analyzed to collect the data.
According to the data, the early childhood pre-service teachers had difficulties in interaction,
behavior guidance, effective teaching methods at the developmental level and the characteristics and
guidance of everyday life.
Based on the results, several conclusions were drawn. First, the early childhood practicum experience
of infants/toddlers was separate from the early childhood practicum experience of children. Second, the
early childhood pre-service teachers gained professional knowledge of infants/toddlers, and the roles of
teachers of infants/toddlers. Finally, a minimum number of subjects and credits related to an effective
practicum practice are needed.