The Contribution of Preschool Teacher Education Program in Equipping Teachers with Indicators of Relevant Curriculum in Ethiopia

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the contribution of Teacher Education Program in equipping preschool teachers with some indicators of relevant curriculum practice as guiding principles of development and learning, appropriate curriculum, learning cycles, and fit methods of instruction and assessment means for children in Ethiopia. A survey method was employed in conducting the study. The data for the study were collected from 221 teacher-trainees using questionnaires of rating scale with open-ended questions and five trainers using interview questions. The data were analysed using frequency, percentage, and sums. The data from survey questionnaire indicated that the contribution of Teacher Education Program in acquainting trainees with guiding principles of child development and learning, developmentally appropriate curriculum, learning cycles of children, fit methods of instruction and assessment means for children did not get high level of agreement from the respondents. The data from interview and open ended questions revealed obstacles as lack of qualified teachers, unsuitable curriculum materials, difficult courses, negative attitude to the profession, time shortage and absence of centres for skills development in the training program. Measures useful for alleviating problems were also indicated parallel to the problems.

Keywords

• developmentally appropriate program
• relevant curriculum practice
• pre-primary schools
• teacher education program