Improving the Practical Aspect of Pre-Service Teacher Education in Sub-Saharan Africa: Issues of Conceptualization, Planning and Management

Abstract

Teaching practicum, variously called teaching practice, professional practice, professional experience,practical experience, school experience, has always been part of teacher education regardless of theapproach taken. The Standard Council of the Teaching Profession (1998, p.10) defines teachingpracticum as:a period of time spent in schools where the prime focus for the trainee teacher is to practice teachingunder the supervision of a mentor who should be trained for this job, to spend time with teachers andclasses, observing, teaching small groups and whole classes, and undertaking the range of tasks thatmake up the teacher’s role including planning, assessing and reporting.