Enhancing student teacher motivation through mentor feedback on practicum reports: a case study

Drawing on data from semi-structured interviews, this case study enquires into the methods employed by a Chinese teacher mentor of English as a Foreign Language to give feedback on practicum reports to poorly motivated student teachers. Data analysis showed that the mentor provided written comments mainly on empowered motivation with a focus on the reflection section. The findings also revealed that the mentor patterned her feedback with 'praise-suggestion' to shape student teachers' identity emotionally and ethically.