An Evaluation Of Postgraduate School-Based Teacher Education Program In Malaysia
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Date
2011-01
Authors
Tan, Cheng Im
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract
The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses
of the postgraduate SBTE program as an alternative route in training teachers. The post
graduate SBTE was conducted by using modules through self-directed learning and
tutorials, with the collaboration of the school mentor teachers. To bridge the gap between
theory and practice, this study applied a mixed-method in theory-driven-evaluation which
was developed by Chen (1990). The samples for questionnaire were 100 Teachers-in-
Training (TiTs), 100 mentor teachers, and 48 tutors. Interviews were carried out with
five TiTs, five mentor teachers, five tutors, one director, one deputy director from
teachers training institute and three officers from Teachers Education Division. The
instruments for this study were: (i) TiTs Self-assessment Questionnaire, (ii) TiTs
Program Evaluation Survey Form, (iii) Mentor Teachers Program Evaluation Survey
Form, (iv) Tutors Program Evaluation Survey Form, and (v) TiTs Competency Forms.
Data were analyzed by comparing the overall mean rating and the percentage of each
construct, as well as the mean rating for each item. Results showed that from the
perspectives of TiTs or the receivers of the program, among the strengths of SBTE
program were: (i) more school experiences were exposed to the TiTs with teaching and
learning theories; (ii) the mentoring and guidance provided by the mentor teachers were
helpful. The weaknesses of SBTE program from the perception of TiTs were: (i) too
many modules and some of the terms in the contents were beyond their understanding as
they did not have prior knowledge about the content; (ii) the tutorial interactions were
short and ineffective; (iii) the commitment level of the tutors was low as they just used
“chalk-and-talk” strategies. Steps need to be taken to improve this program in order to
achieve its objectives. For example, prepare training modules in CD-ROM so that the
modules would become more interactive, prepare the glossary in the modules, lengthen
the duration of tutorial and select suitable tutors.
Description
Keywords
Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the postgraduate program , as an alternative route in training teachers