Understanding the Socio-economic Implications of Pre-service Teachers School-based Experiences through Students’ Reflective Practices"

Abstract

The objective of this study was to explore pre-service teachers’ school-based experiences through their reflective practices. A qualitative research approach was employed based on the multiple case study design. Data was collected from 20 pre-service teachers who were purposively sampled. The data was in the form of personal reflective accounts as well as open-ended questions. Seven themes were generated under 3 broad categories after the triangulation of data. The categories were organizational culture, instructional, and shared leadership as well as community engagement in extra-mural activities. The results indicate that there were varied school-based experiences by pre-service teachers based on the kind of organizational culture that existed in their host schools. These challenges could be addressed if university departments responsible for teacher training embark on community engagements on the supportive role those pre-service teachers play in their host schools as well as the responsibilities of the schools towards them.