Teacher Educators' Understanding and Experiences with Implementing the Initial Primary Teacher Education Policy in Malawi

Item request has been placed! ×
Item request cannot be made. ×
loading   Processing Request
Read Online Read More Add to Saved list
  • Additional Information
    • Availability:
      Whole Schooling Consortium. Available from: Concordia University College of Alberta. 7128 Ada Boulevard, Edmonton, AB T5B 4E4, Canada. e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: http://www.wholeschooling.net
    • Peer Reviewed:
      Y
    • Source:
      22
    • Education Level:
      Higher Education
      Postsecondary Education
    • Subject Terms:
      Teacher Educators; Teacher Attitudes; Knowledge Level; Preservice Teacher Education; Educational Policy; Foreign Countries; Teacher Education Curriculum; Curriculum Implementation; Curriculum Development; Curriculum Design; Educational Philosophy; Teacher Orientation; Educational Quality
    • Subject Terms:
      Malawi
    • ISSN:
      1710-2146
    • Abstract:
      The initial primary teacher education (IPTE) curriculum policy was revised in 2016 and implemented in 2017 in Malawi (Ministry of Education, 2021). This study investigates teacher educators' (TE) understanding and experiences in two teacher training colleges. The study is informed by the cognitivist theory of Spillane et al. (2002). Following a qualitative research design, data were collected through face-to-face interviews with teacher educators and principals. Classroom lesson observations were used to triangulate interview data. Data analysis showed that teacher educators' superficial understanding of the espoused goals, content, and pedagogy of the IPTE impedes effective teacher education. The study found that the implementation of the revised IPTE curriculum is constrained by ineffective re-education and orientation of lecturers to the revised curriculum; unavailability of qualified lecturers; the duration and mode of training; the lack of teaching and learning resources; and TEs that are not being supported by the Ministry of Education officials. The study also shows that superficial understanding and ineffective implementation of the IPTE policy by educational stakeholders, such as lecturers, also comprises the quality of primary teacher education in Malawi. Based on the findings, several recommendations are made to improve the implementation of the IPTE in the country. These recommendations have implications both in Malawi and beyond.
    • Abstract:
      As Provided
    • Publication Date:
      2023
    • Accession Number:
      EJ1384410