Maximizing on Teaching Practicum for Technical Teachers Training

Abstract

Teaching Practicum serves a critical purpose in technical teacher education programme. The aim of this study is to investigate how to maximize the student teacher learning experiences during twelve weeks practicum. Using mixed method, case study design, the paper studied one technical teacher education programme in a University of Technology. Practicum was found to be fairly effective however its impact was not maximized. This was mainly due to a weak Institution-University linkage and almost nonexistence communication between institution and university particularly on practicum matters. This was augmented by lack of formal engagement between university, institutions and cooperating teachers during practicum