The Influence of Micro-Teaching in Enhancing Teaching Competences of Pre-Service Teachers: A Case of Saint Augustine University of Tanzania

Abstract

The study examined the influence of micro-teaching in enhancing teaching competencies of pre-service teachers at Saint Augustine University of Tanzania. The objectives of the study were to: assess teaching skills pre-service teachers acquired during micro-teaching practices, asses the perception of pre-service teachers on the contributions of micro-teaching in improving their teaching skills and examine the efficacy of micro teaching in enhancing teaching competencies among pre-service teachers. The study used mixed research approach. A sample size of 140 pre-service teachers was used to generate data through questionnaire and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). The study findings revealed that micro teaching provides an opportunity for pre-service teachers to gain basic teaching skills such as scheme of work preparation, lesson plan preparation, classroom management and motivation strategies as well as time management skills. It was also found that pre-service teachers gained some experience during micro teaching which helped them to gain insights on instructional process that may help them during the actual teaching practice. Conclusively, micro teaching is an excellent way of improving teaching competencies of pre-service teachers. It is therefore recommended that teacher educators in higher learning institutions should plan and implement micro-teaching as part of teacher training in order to improve pre-service teachers’ teaching competencies.