ERIC Number: EJ1414095
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0950-0782
EISSN: EISSN-1747-7581
Theory, Policy, and Practice: Bridging the Gap between Teacher Training and Classroom Practice in Language of Instruction in Zambia
Joseph Mandyata; Gift Masaiti; Edith Habwanda; Mary Kapamba; Sinonge Walubita; Joshua Zulu; Stephanie Simmons Zuilkowski
Language and Education, v38 n2 p251-268 2024
This participatory action research project conducted through the USAID-funded Transforming Teacher Education activity examined how two pre-service teacher education programs in Zambia prepared teachers for primary reading instruction. College and university lecturers and in-service primary grade teachers participated in focus groups and interviews. We identified gaps between training and practice within the framework of Zambia's language of instruction policy. We find that pre-service teacher preparation was generally theoretical and not practical. Opportunities for practice were limited, leading to teachers lacking required competencies and using outdated approaches in schools. We suggest strategies to improve the alignment of pre-service teacher education and classroom instruction.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Language of Instruction, Teacher Education Programs, Second Language Learning, Second Language Instruction, African Languages, English (Second Language), Action Research, Participatory Research, College Faculty, Preservice Teachers, Elementary School Teachers, Teacher Attitudes, Student Attitudes, Educational Policy, Pedagogical Content Knowledge, Alignment (Education), Teaching Methods, Teacher Competencies, Native Language
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: USAID
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Zambia
Grant or Contract Numbers: 72061120CA00006