A Study on Implementation of Teaching Practicum Program: The Case of Jimma Teachers College and Jimma University
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Date
2007-07
Authors
Buseir, Getenet
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This study was conducted with the objectives of looking into what was going on in public initial
teacher education provider institutions and of students in schools to expose them to real world
practices. It was also aimed at investigating the views of personnel involved and challenges on
effectiveness of instilutions implementing the program in Jimma Zone. To gather the necessary
data, questionnaire, semi-structured interview and focus group discussion were employed. The
data was then tabulated and analyzed qualitatively using percentages.
To achieve the plllpose, 21TEls and schools practicum program coordinators and personnel
managing schools in which students practiced teaching, 48 tutors, 93 mentors and 160 third year
student teachers were included. Different sampling techniques including simple random,
purposive and stratified sampling techniques were employed in the process of selecting the
respondents.
The findings of the study show that implementing practicum program in TEIs and placement
schools did not get suffiCient concern from front line institutions implementing the program. A
pertinent and regular f ollow up from policy makers was not also in place. Thus, collaborative
partnership between TEIs and schools did not seem to exist. As a result, tutors and mentors did
not play the various roles expected of them; student teachers did not have opportunity of getting
the necessary skills and competencies ofteachingfrom actual field experiences. The management
of the schools and mentors had a negative allitude towards gelling involved in the training of
prospective teachers. Overall, the major facto rs affecting the effectiveness ofTEIs and schools in
implementing the practicum program were found out to be lack of not being informed the roles
and responsibility on the part of all personnel involved, shortage of finance and real resources
necessary to run the practicum programs. On the part of TEIs management there were lack of
willingness and commitment to share available resources with schools; and inability to give
pertinent allention to the training of mentors, practicllln coordinators and mentor trainers.
Description
Keywords
Teaching Practicum Program