How University Education Student Teachers’ Achievement in General Methods of Teaching Course Relates with Their Performance in Teaching Practice

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between student teachers' achievement of the general methods of teaching course and their performance teaching practice. It compared the scores in theory and practice. The study was conducted using a random sample of 200 Egerton University 2015/2016 cohort third year education students who had covered the general methods of teaching course and successfully completed their teaching practice. SPSS was used to analyze the data. The scores of the end of semester general methods of teaching examinations and teaching practice were analyzed using Pearson product-moment correlation at α=0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that there was a statistically significant positive relationship between achievement of the general methods of teaching course and performance in teaching practice at r=0.226, with p value=0.004. The study has implications for teacher training programmes in the refining of teaching practice performance. This means that the general methods of teaching course being a foundational course in student teacher preparation needs critical attention. The teacher educators should enhance the methods of teaching courses with use of current pedagogical strategies to ensure quality training of teachers. In addition, there is need to consider resource allocation for better training. This will help the student teachers to effectively translate theory into practice during teaching practice. This is because teaching practice is an important tool of learning to teach as it promotes development of teaching experience and prepares students for the real world of work. The study recommends that Egerton University should ensure that student teachers are adequately prepared during the methods of teaching courses before engaging in teaching practice sessions and the university to consider increasing the allocation of resources both human and physical. This will ensure teacher effectiveness and quality.