EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF MENTORS OBSERVATION FEEDBACK ON POSTGRADUATE PRESERVICE TEACHERS’ DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of mentors observation feedback on postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) pre-service teachers’ development of the necessary competencies. The study which was qualitative in nature generated its data from 32 PGCE pre-service teachers using semi-structured interview protocol and this was analysed thematically. The findings of the study revealed that, the application of Hagger and Mclntyre’s theory of modelling, practice and feedback highlighted the positive impact of mentor-teacher observation feedback on PGCE pre-service teachers development of the necessary competencies required of a professional educator. The competencies revealed include lesson preparation and planning, pedagogical and content delivery techniques, classroom management promotion of inclusivity in the classroom, and grounding in disciplinary content knowledge among others. It was concluded that mentor-teacher observation feedback has the potential to improve and impact on pre-service teachers’ development of the necessary competencies required of a professional educator.

Keywords

• education, feedback, mentor teachers, observation, postgraduate.