Views of agricultural science teachers on in-service training needs in the Zambezi region, Namibia

Abstract

In-service teacher training programs offer opportunities for teachers in both public and private schools to enhance their professional skills, particularly in the areas of required teaching skills, supplementary subject content knowledge, and teaching pedagogy. The lack of availability of in-service teacher training programs for teachers within the education system has undesirable consequences, particularly regarding the delivery of quality education to learners in public and private schools in the Zambezi region, Namibia. This paper discusses the perspectives of Agricultural science teachers on the need for in-service teacher training. To achieve the objectives of this paper, crucial data were collected from Agricultural science teachers in the Zambezi region through face-to-face interviews. Twelve Agricultural science teachers (comprising six from urban schools and six from semi-urban schools) were interviewed using face-to-face interview guides. The study revealed that the in-service teacher training programs attended by Agricultural science teachers were relevant to their teaching roles. Furthermore, the study emphasized that to maintain the relevance of in-service teacher training programs, components such as practical activities, projects, investigations, and subject content knowledge should be the focus, in order to continually enhance the capacities of Agricultural science teachers. The study recommends that the regional education directorate in the Zambezi region establish a policy for continuous in-service teacher training programs, including them in their annual financial plan, to improve teacher performance in the region. Lastly, to ensure the success of in-service teacher training programs, they should be conducted on an ongoing basis.