This paper reports a mixed methods study which aimed to improve Turkish pre-service English language teachers' competences and qualifications during their teaching practice experience (the practicum). The analysis of qualitative and quantitative data was framed by a sociocultural perspective focused around individual, cultural, and social factors in pre-service teacher (PST) education. Findings indicate that PSTs improved their competences with regard to their professional knowledge and understanding of the cultural, socioeconomic, and educational factors at a national level; practices particularly in teaching English to young learners; and attitudes toward their profession. The paper discusses some advantages of the qualitative data tools used and provides implications for facilitating reflective PST education during the teaching practicum.