Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to explore the perception of student teachers on the
nature of teaching practice they undertake and the nature of supervision they receive
during practicum. The population of the study comprised final the year students of
Offinso College of Education who had their teaching practice in the 2014/2015
academic year numbering 300 and all the tutors numbering 59.The sample for the
study comprised 100(83%) student teachers and 30(51%) college tutors. The
instrument used was a questionnaire and simple random sampling technique (The
lottery method) was used to select student teachers and college tutors who were
involved in the study. To achieve the purpose of the study, a descriptive survey design
was used. A perceived quality of supervision model was adapted and used to measure
the quality of supervision rendered to student teachers during practicum. Specifically,
the model was used to collect data to measure the perception of student teachers as
compared to supervisors. The model was adapted from a conceptual model of service
quality (SERVQUAL) developed by Parasuraman, Berry, and Zeithaml (1985) The
findings showed that the overall perception about the quality of the supervision
function of the teaching practice programme fell below expectation in all the five
quality dimensions measured. The study showed that there was a positive relationship
between the professional development of teacher trainees and the teaching practice
they undertook. However, the size of the effect or impact was not that significant.
Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that the college supervisors
or tutors must work hand in hand with head teachers of the schools in which student
teachers are posted to identify areas of professional growth and development.
Description:
A Dissertation in the Department of Educational Leadership, Faculty of
Education and Communication Sciences, submitted to the School of Graduate
Studies, University of Education, Winneba, in partial fulfilment of the
requirements for award of the Master of Philosophy (Educational Leadership)
degree