Abstract:
The purpose of the study was to examine the effectiveness of school practice in improving student
teachers’ pedagogical practices in West Nile, Uganda. Specifically, the study sought to examine the
effectiveness of school practice supervision in improving student teachers’ planning and preparation
skills; presentation and delivery skills and determine the effectiveness of school practice supervision
in improving student teachers’ self-evaluation skills, which forms the frame work of quality teaching
and learning process. The study was conducted among Muni university final year student teachers
pursuing Bachelor of science with education. Concurrent mixed method research was employed to
collect data from school practice supervisors (n=12) and final year student teachers (n=46).
Quantitative data was collected using pretested, standardised supervisors’ assessment forms.
Qualitative data was gathered by identification of major themes from the school practice reports by
each student teacher and during debriefing meeting after school practice using Focused Group
Discussion. Findings revealed that professionally conducted school practice supervision greatly
enhanced student teachers’ lesson preparation and planning, lesson delivery and presentation, and selfevaluation skills. However, some student teachers still demonstrated low competence in record
management and use of instructional materials. The study therefore, recommended that mentors at all
levels should put emphasis on ensuring that student teachers exhibit high level of creativity and
innovativeness in the entire teaching learning process, if universities are to transform education system
in our country. Supervisors should treat school practice as a non-judgmental, but rather, a mentorship
exercise tailored towards the professional growth of student teachers. Enforcement of strict adherence
to the quality assurance standards on the organization and management of school practice in education
training institutions by National Council for Higher Education should be ensured through standardised
quality checks and monitoring program. |
