An Analysis of Challenges and Practices in B. Ed. (Honors) at Government Elementary College of Education, Sindh, Pakistan

Abstract

Teaching is an international and noble profession. Every field of life is going through remarkable achievements with international standards and competencies. The same situation is necessary for the teaching profession, with international recognition of quality education. In the local context, National Professional Standards for Teachers in Pakistan is also a remarkable milestone in this field to promote the level of teachers up to the mark, which plays a vital role for underdeveloped countries like Pakistan. The purpose of this research was to analyze challenges and practices in B.Ed. (Honors). Data sources for this study were College Supervisors, Cooperating Teachers and Student Teachers enrolled in the Second year. Structured interviews with 02 College Supervisors, 02 Cooperating Teachers, and Focus Group Discussions with 10 Student Teachers were used as the tools to accomplish the required data, analyzed qualitatively and converted into Themes and Constructs. Close-ended questionnaires were also administered among 40 STs (of the 3rd and 4th semesters). Study findings showed that Student Teachers (STs) have an awareness of the importance of practicum for improving their pedagogical skills and subject content knowledge, whereas, in contrast, Cooperating Teachers and College Supervisors failed to skillfully equip assisting Student Teachers.