The Current Practices of Pre-School Education in Wolait A Zone
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Date
2011-05
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess the current practices of pre-school education in Wolaita
zone regarding curriculum implementation, learning environment, parent's partnership,
government support as well as opportunities and challenges. Hence, to conduct this study, a
mixed research method which consists of concurrent triangulation design was employed.
Accordingly, 3 Woredas and 1 administrative town were selected as a sample among 12
Woredas and 3 administrative towns on the bases of stratified random sampling technique. The
stratas were Woredas and Town and it gives equal chance for each stratum. Furthermore, 12
pre-schools were selected from 25 pre-schools of selected sample Woredasltown on the basis of
random sampling technique. This technique gives equal chance for all target population. All
sampled pre-schoolteachers (30) were used as data sources. All educational experts of the Zone
and sampled Woredasl town (5) and sample pre-schools principals were selected purposively.
This technique helps to pick cases likely to be information rich and hospitable to the inquiry. In
addition to this, sampled pre-schools children 's parents (12), were selected by systematic
random sampling which gives equal chance for target population and used when the sample size
is relatively large. Moreover, classrooms were selected for observation on the bases of
availability sampling technique. The selected pre-school documents, national and regional
policy documents were used as secondary sources of data. From the above mentioned
informants, data were gathered using questionnaire, interview, observation and document
review. The major findings of this research revealed that: most of the studied pre-school
teachers, principals and assistant teachers were not trained; most of the studied pre-schools had
no assistant teachers and personnel; most of the teachers were lacking experiences; inadequate
and inappropriate in-door and out-door materials and equipment; lack of proper teaching
methods & instructional material preparation; lack of relevant assessment & record keeping
method; low parents partnership & low government attention were among the challenges. As a
result, no opportunities of education for pre-school age children of rural majorities and urban
poors and no quality provision of pre-school education. Finally alternative recommendations
were also forwarded.
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Keywords
Practices of Pre-School Education