ASSESSMENT OF THE PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH PRE-SERVICE ADULT EDUCATORS IN TEACHING PRACTICE AND PRACTICUM EXERCISE IN BENIN METROPOLIS

ABSTRACT

This study examined the problems associated with pre-service adult educators in teaching practice and practicum exercise in Benin Metropolis. Five research questions were raised to guide the study. The survey research design was used. The instrument used was questionnaire titled: Assessment of the Problems Associated with Pre-service Adult Educators in Teaching Practice and Practicum Exercise”. The questionnaire was administered to 300 and 400 level students in the Department of Adult and Non-Formal Education.

            The data collected were analyzed using simple percentage table for the easy interpretation. The findings revealed that teaching practice is one of the most important training given to education students during the course of study; it provides an opportunity for pre-service adult educators to participate in activities that involve teaching in actual situation; it is a period of time that enables pre-service adult educators to put educational theories and principles into practice. Furthermore, practicum on the other hand also places students in situations where they can marry theories with practice. It is a way of giving new members the kind of orientation that would enable them performs more effectively.

Based on the findings of the study; it was recommended that: adequate preparation should be given to pre-service adult educators and practicum students before commencing teaching practice and practicum exercise and also, the organizers of teaching practice and practicum exercise should ensure that the exercise does not clash with normal lecture periods. This will help the pre-service adult educators and practicum students enjoy and participate fully in the exercise; the government should provide allowances and incentives for teaching practice and practicum students during the exercise as this will help them cater for needs that may arise during the course of the exercise like transport fares, feeding, accommodation etc.; Teaching practice coordinators should undertake familiarization visits to the student's schools of posting and places of work in order to ensure that students are posted to schools and organizations with adequate learning environments and also to ensure that pre-service adult educators and practicum students are well settled before the exercise and that the cooperating schools and adult literacy centers on their own part should help pre-service adult educators and practicum students by providing them with necessary teaching aids and instructional materials needed for teaching so as to make their teaching experience easier and more rewarding.