Postgraduate Diploma In Education Research Articles

Technology Adaption in Distance Teacher Training: The Impact of Demographic Factors on Learners’ Technology Adaption

Understanding how demographic characteristics influence students' technology adaptation is crucial for effective online learning. This study explored the impact of these characteristics on distance education (DE) students' technology adaptation at a sub-Saharan African university. Using a descriptive survey design with a high-reliability score (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.898), data were collected from 200 DE students across 14 study centres. The study tested seven hypotheses, employing statistical analyses like ANOVA, t-tests, and post hoc tests. Results revealed that while gender and employment status did not significantly affect technology adaptation, age, academic programme, academic level, and study centre did. Students aged 26-35 adapted better, with those in Mathematics and English programs showing higher adaptation scores compared to those in the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) program. Additionally, higher-level students and those from well-resourced study centres demonstrated superior adaptability. The study suggests providing targeted support based on age, academic programme, and study centre resources to enhance technology adaptation in DE. To further improve students' technology proficiency, the study recommends that DE institutions offer regular training sessions and workshops to help students navigate online platforms, use digital libraries, and maximize productivity tools.

Principals’ Demographic Qualities and the Misuse of School Material Capital in Secondary Schools

Abstract Previous studies tend to not only assess principals’ demographic variables but also use other dependent variables, such as administrative effectiveness, job performance, and student achievement. In the literature, principals’ demographic qualities and the misuse of material capital have been under-assessed. This study used a quantitative approach to investigate the demographic attributes of principals and the abuse of school material capital in secondary schools. Using a questionnaire, data were gathered from 667 secondary school administrators in Cross River State, Nigeria. The findings revealed significant differences in the misuse of school material capital by principals of different ages, professional qualifications, and years of experience. However, major disparities between male and female principals were not identified. More specifically, principals who were older, seasoned, and possessed bachelor’s and Master of Education degrees were efficient managers of school material capital. A high rate of misuse was found among principals who were younger and inexperienced than their counterparts who were young, less experienced, and possessed a postgraduate diploma in education, as well as other professional academic qualifications unrelated to the field of education (e.g., HND, BSc, BA, and MSc). Based on these findings, key implications for quality service delivery and administrative effectiveness were discussed.

Virtual Reality in education: supporting new learning experiences by developing self-confidence of Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) student-teachers

ABSTRACT Emerging evidence has demonstrated that Virtual Reality (VR) supported lessons are able to enhance positive emotions and engagement as well as more memorable experiences, when compared to more traditional instructional tools such as readings from textbooks and videos. However, teachers’ self-efficacy while teaching with VR technologies, VR safety in the classroom, the need for technical support and costs have been identified as potential obstacles for Pre-Service Teachers (PSTs) who are interested in the effective use of VR in the classroom. This study aims to explore how we may begin to address these obstacles by integrating VR supported lessons in Initial Teacher Education (ITE) courses. The originality of this study lies in the implementation of a short intervention in an already crowded Post graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) curriculum and in analysing the impact on PSTs’ self-confidence as a factor to initiate sustainable development. Participants were 198 PGDE Primary School student-teachers, who attended two-hour VRsupported sessions a week apart in February 2020. Findings suggest that engagement with VR lessons have encouraged participanting PSTs to explore this technology for their future practice across different subjects, impacting positively on their self-confidence.

Teacher training pathways for competency based curriculum (CBC) in the university education in Kenya

The education reform in Kenya recommended phasing out of the 8-4-4 education system to embrace the 2-6-3-3-3 competency based curriculum (CBC). The embraced curriculum has three learning pathways or pillars at senior secondary and university education. The three pathways are Talent Pillar, Languages and Social Sciences Pillar, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) pillar. The Higher Education Curriculum Framework (HECF) and universities are yet to provide clear policy guidelines for training teachers and align their skill and competencies with the CBC curriculum framework. The phenomenon is compounded by the fact that, the Ministry of Education through teacher service commission without any empirical data suggested the bedrock of education training programs, the Bachelor of education arts (B. Ed, arts) and Bachelor of Education science (B.Ed. arts) programs to be eradicated in favor of Bachelor of Arts (B.A) and Sciences (B.Sc.) as the pathways to teaching profession through a Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE). The Teachers Service Commission is championing multi-tasking competences where those graduates teaching in secondary schools should be trained to teach more than the traditional two teaching subjects. The Basic Education Curriculum Framework (BECF) has categorized Junior and Senior Secondary School levels which the training of teachers in the university education program must align itself with. While students study all the compulsory subjects in junior secondary, they branch to specialize in their preferred pathways at senior secondary levels. The recruitment of students to both public and private universities for teaching career is based on high school credentials that have now to consider talent including talents in sports, creative and performing arts. The study was designed to explore the teacher training programs embracing talent for university education in order to address both the needs of Junior and senior secondary schools under the three pillars embraced in the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) in Kenya.

Teaching Effectiveness of Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching and Integrated Curriculum Graduate Teachers: Investigating Students’ and Teachers’ Perceptions

A new teacher education package has been introduced in Ethiopia by the Ministry of Education, which is called the Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching (PGDT), for secondary schools since 2011, replacing the integrated curriculum teacher education program with the purpose of equipping trainees with the knowledge and skills needed. However, little research has been carried out on the effectiveness of the PGDT in relation to the previous (integrated curriculum) programme in the actual practices in secondary schools yet. This study, therefore, aims to assess the students’ and teachers’ perceptions of the teaching effectiveness of the PGDT and integrated curriculum graduate teachers in secondary schools in North Wollo Zone, Ethiopia. Data were gathered from participant students (n = 214) and teachers (n = 16) using purposive sampling. To gather data, questionnaires were employed. The data were analyzed quantitatively using mean, standard deviations, and one-sample t-test. The findings of the study revealed that students and teachers show slightly more positive perceptions of the effectiveness of PGDT, especially in subject matter knowledge; the scores are also significant. However, the results indicated that both the PGDT and integrated curriculum graduate teachers use the lecture method of teaching. Recommendations were forwarded for teacher development, instruction, and research on PGDT. Limitations and future directions of the study are also summarized and discussed.

CHAPTER 4: Culture Trumps Structure in the Competitive Struggle Between Teaching and Research

In response to global and national research-informed calls for the professionalisation of teaching to support student success, the South African Higher Education sector has put in place structures aimed at promoting teaching and research as equals. Despite this occurring at national and institution levels, many South African institutions are still struggling to achieve this balance with research retaining dominance in recognition of academic contribution. Using a phenomenographic research design and employing the notion of structure, culture and agency to conduct a thematic analysis of qualitative data, this study examines the success of a potentially enabling structure (i.e., a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Higher Education)) designed to professionalise teaching in support of student success. The findings suggest that despite strong indications of valuing and capacitating good teaching at individual levels, the dominant culture of research within the authors’ Institution has neutralised the attempts of such structures to place research and teaching on an equal footing. Institutional level structures remain segmented and divided in relation to research and teaching. Student success is not only dependent on receiving research-informed disciplinary knowledge but also on how an institution promotes and facilitates well-informed and scholarly teaching practices. The authors conclude by recommending: i) the recognition of postgraduate diplomas as an indicator of learning and teaching expertise by staffing and promotions committees; ii) the utilisation of agents who have self-selected into professionally developing their teaching to be part of a coherent system that supports and steers cultural change within academia; and iii) the recognition of research in learning and teaching as equal to discipline-specific research.

From Career Choice to Career Change: Experiences of PGDE Students in Tanzania

This article presents findings from a qualitative inquiry that explored the underlying motives of career change among Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) students in Tanzania. Focused group discussions (FGDs) were used to collect data to address two study objectives: first, explore the reasons why PGDE students tend to change their career; and second, determine PGDE students’ intentions to join and stay in the new career. The findings indicate that career change is motived by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Specifically, career change motives are due to job dissatisfaction, employment opportunities, wrong first career choice, and the desire for career growth. This article provides relevant information on career change influencers and intentions of PGDE students to join and stay in their new careers. A teacher who has moved from one career paths to another needs professional support to cope with various professional challenges. This would not only bridge the gap between becoming and being a teacher, but also make easy for them to grow professionally. Based on the findings, the article concludes that different motives for career change imply that quality teacher training, and recruitment and retention strategies in the teaching profession are worth re-thinking. The findings are discussed in the context of teacher attraction and retention in Tanzania.

Investigation into The Uses and Practices of Continuous Assessment Among Secondary School Teachers in Biu Educational Zone of Borno State

This research assess uses and practice of continuous assessment among senior secondary school teachers in Biu Educational Zone of Borno State, Nigeria. Descriptive survey design was employed, all the one hundred and ninety-two (192) teachers in the zone constitute the population and sample of the study. Three objective, one hypotheses were formulated to guide the study, questionnaire was used. Frequency and percentage were used to answer the research questions. While one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to answer the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance data collected was statistically analyzed using statically package of social science (SPSS) at 0.05 level of significance. The major findings of the study revealed that: teachers do not make used of continuous assessment in decision making, there is no significant in the practice of continuous assessment among less qualified, qualified and unqualified teachers. The researchers recommended that: the state government as well as stake holders in Biu Educational Zone of Borno state should only recruit teachers with educational background, those that are still in the system should encouraged to have post graduate diploma in education. Administrator and stakeholders should from time to time organize in house workshop or seminars for teachers in order to acquire real knowledge of C.A. Government should also provide appropriate continuous assessment guideline to help teachers on how to conduct and use continuous assessment, also regular supervision should be done to ensure the effective and efficient use of continuous assessment.

Examining the Transition of Contemporary Managers Becomes Senior Leaders and Eventually Moves On

The crisis of educational leadership has motivated so much debate and research in recent times in the field of educational administration. Most school leaders have not been trained in the art of educational management and leadership. It has been presumed that anyone who receives a bachelor’s degree in education or a postgraduate diploma in education through training can automatically become a head teacher or principal. That explains why in developing as well as developed countries, school managers and leaders face a lot of challenges. This article seeks to create a link between the career development of senior leadership and the different models proposed by scholars like Day and Bakioglu, Gronn, Wakins and Robbins. The researchers hope to develop strategies that can groom educational managers to assume senior leadership positions. The most influential agents of socialization by Lenka and Vandana, Gupta, Krishnan, Homan & Youngman and Ebot Ashu that enhance educational leadership development have been explored to give this work some serious focus. The primary agent of socialization considered here is the family which is the nucleus of society. The secondary agents of socialization include the schools, peer groups, the churches, work groups, communities, mass medium, social groups and the government. Focusing on Watkins’ seven seismic shifts that transit from specialist to generalist, analyst to the integrator, tactician to strategist, bricklayer to architect, problem solver to agenda setter, warrior to diplomat and supporting cast member to lead role, the researchers argue that school managers can transit to the level of senior leaders and continue to influence school administration in many positive ways. Educational leaders should take their ongoing career development seriously if they are to become relevant in contemporary society. The methodology used in this work is very apt. Based on the field experiences of school administrators, the researchers are able to arrive at findings that support the literature that has been gathered. They are able to explore the career life of educational leaders and identify factors which influence them to become senior leaders and move on as encompassed in the first three phases of Gronn’s and Ribbins’ models, with exceptional three new sub-phases within the accession phase. In all, the study agrees with the general principles of Ribbins’ model rather than the previous work of Day & Bakioglu’s and Gronn’s, who suggest disenchantment and divestiture as inevitable final phases in the career lives of senior leaders. Therefore, Ribbins’ theoretical frame-work of education leadership can be useful in interpreting the link between the career developments of contemporary senior leaders. This study concludes that socialization occurs throughout our life, but some of the most important socialization that occurs during that phase of our lives is the family, school, peers, church, mass media, community, workplace and social group. Therefore, Watkins’ contributions to administration, management and leadership can be used to educate contemporary educational managers and senior leaders in contemporary society.

Learning to belong: Navigating liminal spaces between disciplinary and teaching identities

The continuous professional learning of academics as university teachers is a national imperative in South Africa. At our university, a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Higher Education) was introduced in 2015 with the aim to professionalise university teaching through a formal qualification. Students (i.e., candidates) must transition in two ways: firstly, from being disciplinary specialists to being students again; and secondly, into the community of scholarly teaching in higher education. This article examines the liminality experienced by candidates as they navigate the programme and learn to belong to a new scholarly teaching community. Drawing on empirical data collected from graduates and programme coordinators, the authors track candidates’ shifting identities and showcase how, though initially turbulent and unsettling, the process of learning to belong to a new teaching identity can be rewarding and enriching. The authors conclude by discussing the conditions required to enable candidates to acquire a strong university-teacher identity. Keywords: belonging, higher education, identity, liminality, professional learning, threshold concepts

Using Communicative Approach for Language Teaching in Sri Lankan Secondary Schools

English as a second language curriculum in Sri Lankan public schools aims at enhancing knowledge-building through the use of communicative language teaching (CLT) while assisting both the teachers and the learners to solve problems. In this case study, we investigated the extent of teachers’ inclination to use the CLT approach. The study was guided by Socio-Cultural Theory (SCT) and the Experiential Learning Theory (ELT). Five purposively selected participants in a popular secondary school in Colombo District in Sri Lanka responded to semi structured interviews and were observed while they were teaching. The analysis revealed that although teachers understood that knowledge-building can be enhanced by CLT they are less prepared to implement it because they lack the skills and the competencies in doing so. Further, teachers prefer to follow traditional pedagogic practices that do not lead to knowledge-building in learners. We recommend that a number of workshops be offered to in-service teachers who follow the Postgraduate Diploma in Education in Universities and the other Teacher Training Institutes on how to employ CLT activities that enhance knowledge-building in the secondary school students.

Attitude of Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching (PGDT) Trainees towards the Teaching Profession in Ethiopia

This study explored the attitude of trainees in postgraduate diploma in teaching towards the teaching profession. The study had a descriptive survey design. Two hundred and fifty-eight trainees participated in the study. Proportionate stratified random and simple random sampling were used in the selection of the study participants. Quantitative data was collected using a standardized questionnaire developed by Renthlei and Malsawmi (2015). Percentages and Stanine scale frequency distributions were used to analyze the data and report the findings. The study revealed that a lack of other better job opportunities was the main reason for the trainees to choose teaching as their future profession. Most also expressed the interest to quit the training and join any other better job opportunity the moment they get the chance. Overall, the majority had a low attitude towards teaching as a profession. Such a low trainees’ attitude towards teaching and their intention to quit the training or leave the profession any time the opportunity comes their way, puts the government’s plan to expand the coverage of education in jeopardy. Clearly, an increase in schools cannot be achieved without a parallel increase in the number of qualified teachers. Finally, implications of the findings were forwarded to pertinent bodies in teacher education programs.

Proposing the Incorporation of Basic Medical Sciences into the Curriculum for Basic Education Training

Health is everyone’s business. Teachers are essential channels for transmitting societal values to the younger generation. To achieve this, attention must be paid to proper curriculum in teachers’ training. This study was designed to ascertain empirically the level of knowledge of teachers on the basics of medical sciences and to propose the introduction of Basic Medical Sciences in the curriculum for teachers training in Nigeria. The research design is a descriptive non-experimental survey. The research population was students of post-graduate diploma in Education (PGDE) and the sampling method was the random sampling method. The total study population is 1031 and the sample size is 165 determined by the method of Krejcie and Morgan. The control group was drawn from 80 students in 2nd semester 200 level of Anatomy, Physiology and Medicine & Surgery departments. The research instrument is a questionnaire. A total of 250 questionnaires were distributed, 234 returned but 12 were disqualified due to improper filling. Therefore 222 (88.8%) was used for the study. Our results showed that male respondents scored an average of 47.66% as against 88.91% from the control group. Female respondents scored an average of 43.70% asagainst 74.91% by the female control group. Respondents on the average scored 43.28% in Anatomy related questions and 49.49% in physiology related questions. It was concluded that knowledge of basic medical sciences among teacher-trainees in Nigeria is deficient. On this basis we propose the incorporation of Basic Medical Science in teachers’ training curriculum in Nigeria.

Problematising Mentoring in Open Distance Learning Teacher Education: An Action Research

Open distance learning has helped produce quality teachers and has functioned as an alternative to qualifying underqualified and unqualified educators. This article problematises the effectiveness of mentoring and its strategies in the context of open distance learning using the case study of the Postgraduate Diploma in Education offered by the Zimbabwe Open University. The action research method was used to attain data and evaluate the effectiveness of mentoring strategies on professional development. The study reveals the importance of co-learning in mentoring processes. The findings also show a lack of dialogue between teacher-training universities and the practicing schools. It finally recommends that education policymakers review key areas such as mentor selection processes and mentor in-service training.

Gender as predictor of academic performance of undergraduate students across Ethiopian public universities

This article intends to assess gender as a predictor of academic performance as measured by the post-graduate diploma in teaching (PGDT) placement examination of public universities. Based on its common assumptions with the legal and policy provisions of Ethiopia on gender issues and for pragmatic reasons, the article employs liberal feminism theory as analytical lens. Multistage sampling technique was employed. Three universities were selected through random sampling. Sample of 119 (M=83, F=36) PGDT candidates participated. Regression analysis technique was employed. The regression model predicted 11.6% of the variance and was a significant predictor of the outcome variable, F2, 116=7.599, P=.001, r2= .116. Gender was a significant predictor favouring male performance, β= -.300, P=.001; whereas university was not, β= -.099, P=.276. Implications were discussed.

Gross National Happiness Education in the Colleges of Education, Bhutan: Perception, Culture, Impact and Challenges

This study was situated in the two teacher education colleges of the Royal University of Bhutan. It examined whether the teacher education system and policies are in congruence with the Gross National Happiness (GNH) education. It is envisaged that education embodied with GNH values will not only act as an agent of change but also ensure that the country’s education system embodies and reflects GNH values and principles. The study employed mixed method approach. The participants for the survey consisted of 62 lecturers from the two colleges of education namely Samtse College of Education [SCE] and Paro College of Education [PCE] (SCE-32 & PCE-30). The sample was representative of the population (n=120) and so was other variables such as teaching subjects, age, experience and qualification as more than 50% of the population responded to the survey. To garner qualitative data thirteen lecturers (PCE-7 & 6-SCE) were interviewed and lessons of eight lecturers (SCE-5 & PCE-3) teaching Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) and Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PgDE) students were observed. Results revealed that lecturers in general have a positive perception of GNH education in the colleges of education as it aids the colleges in inculcating moral and cultural values and care for the environment in the future teachers (heart), the modules both professional and core modules including pedagogy and assessment offered at the colleges of education are laden with GNH values (Head), and GNH education is also built into co-curricular activities (Hand). However, the lecturers have mixed reactions on whether GNH education should be made compulsory programme in the colleges of education.

Student Teachers’ Perception on Blended Learning in an In-Service Teacher Training Programme: A Case Study at Teacher Education Institute Batu Lintang Campus

The study aimed to reveal how blended learning was perceived by a group of student teachers enrolled an in-service teacher training course. A survey using google forms was used to collect data for the study. The research instrument, included nine components of blended learning. A total of 179 student teachers, who were pursuing their Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PDPP), took part in the study. The findings of the study revealed that among the nine components of blended learning, the role of the teacher/lecturer and face to face lessons were the two most important components perceived by student teachers. The third component was role of students in participating in online discussions. Student teachers also revealed they needed to interact with other students, both online and face to face. Any LMS could be accepted in blended learning programmes but ease of use features were perceived to be important to enable them to participate in online discussions and to receive feedback. However, their participation online must be considered as part of their overall course assessment. Attractiveness of the online materials and online sharing of unrelated course materials were perceived as insignificant. Based on the findings, implications and recommendations for future research were also included in the report.

Pre-service teacher’s perspectives on the Programme for International Student Assessment for Development (PISA-D): A case of Samtse College of Education

The paper explores pre-service teacher’sawareness, interest, perception, attitudes and the level of knowledge on the Programme for International Student Assessment for development (PISA-D). A mixed method of quantitative research and qualitative research was used in this study. The study was conducted among final year Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) and Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) students at Samtse College of Education, Bhutan. Instruments such as survey questionnaire and interview were used to collect the data. The survey questionnaire was analyzed using Excel Add-in Analysis Tool Pak and Interview data were analyzed by identifying themes. The results revealed that 72.6% of pre-service teachers were aware of Programme for International Student Assessment for Development (PISA -D). Among them nearly 40% expressed their opinion that PISA has impact on curriculum and quality of education in the country as a whole. However, 60%had limited knowledge of purpose and importance of participating in PISA-D. The findings also revealed that 50% of them were interested to know more about PISA.

Institutional conditions for preparing critically reflective TEFL teachers in the PGDT Program of three Ethiopian universities

This paper assesses the role played by the institutional context in the preparation of critically reflective TEFL teachers in the Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching (PGDT) program of Dilla, Haramaya, and Hawasa Universities, Ethiopia. It examines the extent to which structured opportunities for reflection are used in the three institutions. A combination of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies was employed for collecting information regarding reflective practice in the PGDT program of the three universities. Multilevel mixed-method sampling techniques were utilized to select participants. Data were collected using questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and observation, and interpreted using simple statistical analysis and descriptive narrative approach. The study shows that most of the participants lack sufficient theoretical and practical knowledge of reflective practice. It shows that structured opportunities for reflection were not created for student teachers to practice reflection. The researchers, therefore, recommend that the government, curriculum designers, teacher education institution, and teacher educators create a common understanding about the goal of the program, and deliberately setup some structured opportunities to promote reflection in the institutions.

Teacher Self-efficacy and Its Antecedents among Post Graduate Diploma in Teaching Trainees of Dilla University: Implications for Ethiopian Secondary School Teacher Education

The purpose of this study was to investigate the level of self-efficacy belief of Post Graduate Diploma in Teaching (PGDT) trainees of Dilla university and identify the factors that affect their belief with the intention of recommending possible improvement strategies to enhance effectiveness of the pre-service teacher education in program. To this end, descriptive survey design was employed because of its suitability for gathering data on attitudes, beliefs and predictions, behavior and experiences both in the past and the present. The study was conducted in Dilla University, Ethiopia on 2017 summer modality prospective graduates of Post Graduate Diploma in Teaching Program. From the total of 568 (161 Female & 407 male) prospective graduates who were attending the program, 112 trainees were selected as a sample using stratified random sampling technique. The results indicated that trainees have marginally average level of efficacy which suggested that they can have only ‘Some influence’ on their students’ learning performance and behavior. It was also found that attitude to teaching (β= .573, t=10.129, p<.01) was the biggest contributor to self-efficacy belief followed by teachers’ professional collaboration in secondary schools (β= .198, t= 5.276, p=.002) and in-campus training practice (β= .146, t=3.201, p<.05) respectively. In contrast to popular expectations, no significant mean difference was observed in trainees’ efficacy scores in terms of their Cumulative Grade Point Average. Based on these findings, it was concluded that trainees’ efficacy with regard to bringing desired impact on secondary school students’ achievement and behavior was not adequate and requires immediate attention. Hence, it was recommended that graduates should be given on-job training and teachers’ professional collaboration in Ethiopian secondary schools should be further strengthened with more emphasis on the affective dimension of the profession.