Year: 2020
Type: dissertation
Abstract: For many years, the process of training a teacher has been extensively studied and debated in the scientific and academic community worldwide. However, the literature reviewed for the study revealed that few studies have been conducted on teaching practice in Zambia. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of the teaching practice programme of the University of Zambia, to identify its challenges and to propose improvements. This study was therefore guided by the following main research question: How effective is teaching practice conducted by the University of Zambia for the preparation of teachers to teach in secondary schools in Zambia? \nThe study is informed by the third generation activity theory perspective. It is situated in the qualitative approach and the underlying epistemology is interpretive. The sample population was purposively selected and comprised the „triad‟: 8 teacher educators, 24 student teachers, and 10 supervising teachers. Data were collected from interviews, focus groups and lesson evaluation forms. The data from the interviews and focus groups were analysed thematically, while the data from lesson evaluation forms were analysed using the content analysis method. To present and analyse the participants‟ views, key themes were identified, which included the lack of clarity and consensus on the role of supervising teachers in teaching practice, and that the implementation of teaching practice is beset with many challenges. \nThe study established that the short period for the implementation of teaching practice was a critical challenge to providing quality training to student teachers. Inadequate funds for teaching and learning materials and a lack of clarity and consensus on the role of supervising teachers in teaching practice were among the challenges. Most of the study‟s findings are consistent with earlier studies. One such finding was that student teachers demonstrated mastery of subject matter but had inadequate knowledge and skills in teaching methodology. Based on the evidence collected and analysed, the researcher established that the teaching practice implemented by the University of Zambia in schools is ineffective. Therefore, this study ends with recommendations to make the implementation of teaching practice by the University of Zambia in schools effective. One of the recommendations is that the School of Education should be separated from other faculties so that more time can be devoted to training and actual teaching practice in schools.
Author: Musonda Luchembe
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W3122040396