Mentorship at post-secondary teacher training level in Ghana : a case study analysis of the perceptions and experiences of mentors, link tutors and trainees

Kankam, George

Abstract

The need to prepare teacher trainees to have a sound grounding in the theory and practice of teaching to make them effective practitioners has long been recognised by teacher educators. This need has given rise to designing and implementing schoolbased teacher education programmes in both developed and developing countries to help trainees acquire theoretical and professional experience. In Ghana this desire has led to the introduction and implementation of mentorship scheme at the postsecondary teacher training level with the idea of using mentor support and assessment to enhance trainees' professional development.

The purpose of this research was to examine the implementation of the mentorship scheme in Ghana to find out the problems that have to do with the implementation. The research also examined the preparation and training given to the mentors, the guidance and support they provide to trainees and the impact of their support upon the professional development of trainees.

A qualitative case study was conducted in two selected teacher training areas from the months of December 2002-February 2003 and July -September 2003. The selected case study areas were considered to be a fair representation of the teacher training system in Ghana. The field research included interviews with mentors, link tutors, trainees and key officials associated with the post-secondary teacher training system in Ghana. Findings from the multiple-site case study evidence were presented and analysed for their significance.

The findings of the research suggest that problems continue to threaten the implementation process and the benefits derivable from using mentorship as an approach to initial teacher education in Ghana. The evidence from the findings were used as a basis for conclusions about improving the scheme at the post secondary teacher education level in Ghana.

Recommendations to help improve the mentorship scheme are set out.

Citation

Kankam, G. (2005). Mentorship at post-secondary teacher training level in Ghana : a case study analysis of the perceptions and experiences of mentors, link tutors and trainees. (Thesis). University of Hull. Retrieved from https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4212458

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Jun 12, 2012
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 22, 2023
• Keywords: Education
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4212458
• Additional Information: Institute for Learning, The University of Hull
• Award Date: Jan 1, 2005