Teacher Quality and the Quality of Technical and Vocational Education and Training Courses: Implications for Sustainable Development in Cameroon

Abstract

Teacher quality remains an important subject for debate and the role of TVET in reducing unemployment and facilitating sustainable development cannot be overemphasized. Here, we present a critical engagement with the literature on teacher quality; the quality of TVET courses and the implications these have for sustainable development. First, we trace the policy background and motivations that led to the introduction of TVET in Cameroon. Next a critical examination of what counts as teacher quality and yardsticks for defining teacher quality is provided. Further, there is a discussion on what TVET teacher training programs need, to be considered qualitative. Finally, focus is on the major issues in TVET teacher supply and quality, current pathways to TVET teaching in Cameroon, the resulting challenges and benchmarks. To ensure that Cameroon has suitably-skilled human capital, it is suggested that if diligently considered, the benchmarks could assist policy makers to design and implement quality TVET policies following the five steps proposed by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union. These include, evaluating the existing situation of the TVET system, developing a strategy to reform the system, implementing the strategy, evaluating the impact and continuous monitoring and evaluation of performance in the sector.