The B.ED (Hons.) teaching practice : a study of perceptions and expectations

Abstract

In this dissertation, an attempt was made to define what qualities make a good teacher. This was done through reading various literature and by conducting a study. In this study, two types of research methods were ·applied: questionnaires and structured interviews. Questionnaires, given to all fourth year B.Ed students ( 1996-2000) as well as to a random sample of teaching practice tutors. were used to explore the student teachers' perceptions and the tutors' expectations of what goes to make a good teacher. Interviews were conducted with tutors. the aim being that of focusing on their expectations and examining whether there are variations in the assessment procedures and in the criteria used as the basis for assessment. Our research findings indicate that student teachers and tutors agree as to what constitutes an effective teacher, but there seems to be some disagreement among the tutors about what criteria and methods should be used to evaluate a student teacher.