The implications of the out-of-field phenomenon for effective teaching, quality education and school management

Abstract

The out-of-field phenomenon, that is the situation where teachers teach outside their field of expertise, adds complexity to the education environment and affects learners, colleagues, parents, governing bodies and school management. It puts extra strain on school management's responsibility to provide quality management and jeopardises effective teaching and quality learning. This article examines the implications of the out-of-field phenomenon for school management. An empirical investigation entailing the use of a qualitative approach was employed for the study. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with selected participants who shared their experiences of the phenomenon. Findings indicated that the out-of-field phenomenon and its implications should be recognised in order to provide effective and quality teaching, substantial teacher support and sufficient staff development programmes.