Evaluative research of the mentoring process of the PGDT, with particular reference to Cluster Centers under Jimma University facilitation

Abstract

The objective of the study was to evaluate the mentoring process of the PGDT program which was under the supervision of Jimma University in the regional states of Oromia and SNNP, Ethiopia. The method of the research used is evaluative and the instruments used to collect data are questionnaire and interview through which mentors' knowledge of the program, competence, commitment to their roles and their professional attributes, the nature of the mentoring practice, the working climate of the mentees and others were looked at. And it is found out that the mentoring process hasn't been consistent to the plan the fact that stake-holders had no a clear understanding of the program; the mentees were overloaded; appropriate mentors weren't assigned by schools (assigning mentors disregarding their field of study, merit and experience and what they were teaching at times); mentees were assigned at primary schools (the level which they were not supposed to work at nor prepared and trained for); the roles of mentors misunderstood by mentees, mentors, and education officials; lack of commitment from mentors, supervisors and education officials of different levels; supervisors and mentors failure to give the inputs they are supposed to due to their limited knowledge of the programme, etc. To reverse the situation: all parties who, one way or the other, involve in the program me need to have a clear understanding of the program and reach at a consensus about how the program should be run, acquainting the roles and responsibilities and the accountability associated with to every stakeholder and providing the necessary and available documents, including program objectives and strategies, to all stakeholders beforehand. PGDT: Post graduate diploma for teaching, a program which trains teachers for secondary schools in Ethiopia. Mentoring: The process of guiding pre-service teachers by respective experienced secondary school teachers / mentors as part of the PGDT. Supervision: The component of the PGDT which is specifically designed to see whether the mentoring practice is well underway by the supervisors/ the University lecturers.