Assessment on the Implementation of the Pre-service Practicum Program in Teacher Education Colleges (Dessie College of Teacher Education in Focus)

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to assess the overall effectiveness of the implementation of the practicum programs, the support provided and evaluation techniques used by tutors and mentors, its contributions and challenges. The research type employed was descriptive survey with mixed-design approach. The study site was Dessie College of Teacher Education working the practicum program in collaboration with Dessie town woreda primary schools. 120 student teachers, 66 placement teachers (mentors) and 36teacher educators (tutors) were sample populations of the study. Student teachers and teacher educators were selected as a sample using systematic random sampling and school teachers (mentors) were selected using purposive sampling technique. Data was collected using questionnaire, interviews, focused group discussion and document reviews and analyzed both quantitatively (i.e. using percentages) and qualitatively (i.e. by the use of narrations and descriptions). The results of the study revealed that there were understanding problems on the conceptualization of practicum and its main functions, the three actors (student teachers, mentors and tutors) were not clearly accomplishing their roles and responsibilities due to lack of coordinated work of tutors and mentors and absence of close follow up and support system. There were various hampering factors affecting the practicum program. Student teachers were not carefully scaffolded.

Keywords: student   teacher;   placement teacher;  practicum;  professional experience;  teacher educator; teacher education; tutor; mentor.