Assessment of Challenges Faced by Student-Teachers in Ghanaian Colleges of Education during Teaching Practice Period

Authors: Assafuah-Drokow Anthony, Mensah John, Annafo Yin, Baah Doris

Country: Ghana

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Abstract: The study sought to assess the challenges faced by Ghanaian colleges of education (GCoE) student-teachers during teaching practice period in the practicing Basic schools. A descriptive survey research design was used for the study. The sample size was 160 third (final) year student-teachers made up of 85 male and 75 female student-teachers. A purposive sampling technique was used to select the sample. A 27 item questionnaire was the main instrument used for study. Data from the questionnaire was analyzed quantitatively using descriptive statistics mainly frequency and simple percentages. It was revealed that student-teachers experience quite a number of classroom management challenges; practicing school environmental challenges; instructional challenges as well as supervisory and mentorship challenges during teaching practice. It was found out that all the 160 student-teachers represented 100% indicated that managing and controlling large size classes and poor pupils’ sitting arrangement in overcrowded classroom were the most serious classroom management challenges. It was observed that lack of accommodation for the student-teachers; lack of science laboratory and poorly equipped ICT laboratory and libraries were the major practicing school environmental challenges. It was revealed that non-availability of subject matter textbooks for pupils and inability of student-teachers to master the subject matter different from their area of speciality were the instructional challenges. Also, lack of cordial relationship between the supervisor and the student-teachers during supervision and frequent assessment of students-teacher’s progress and attitudes by the mentors were the supervisory and mentorship challenges faced by student-teachers. Finally, more than one-third (?) of respondents indicated that female student-teachers encounter sexual harassment challenge by some school-based mentors and supervisors during teaching practice so as to give them good results. It was recommended that the government of Ghana should provide well-equipped science and ICT laboratories as well as libraries and current subject matter textbooks to all Ghanaian Basic schools so as to facilitate the teaching and learning process.

Keywords: Assessment, Challenges, College, Ghana, Student, Teacher, Teaching

Paper Id: 312

Published On: 2018-10-01

Published In: Volume 6, Issue 5, September-October 2018

Cite This: Assessment of Challenges Faced by Student-Teachers in Ghanaian Colleges of Education during Teaching Practice Period - Assafuah-Drokow Anthony, Mensah John, Annafo Yin, Baah Doris - IJIRMPS Volume 6, Issue 5, September-October 2018.

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