Effectiveness of the Post Graduate Diploma in Teaching Program (PGDT) in Preparing Secondary School Teachers in the College of Education and Behavioral Studies

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to assess the effectiveness of the PGDT program in preparing teachers for teaching in the secondary schools of Ethiopia. The design chosen for the study was descriptive survey. Both quantitative and qualitative instruments and approaches were used to collect, analyze and interpret data. Questionnaire, interview and document analysis were the instruments used to collect data. Descriptive statistical tools were used to analyze and interpret data. 55% of the population of trainees and another 55% of the population of instructors were selected as samples using stratified sampling technique. The technique was employed in view of the presence of different strata of trainees and instructors. Department heads and program coordinators were selected using purposive sampling technique. Results of the study suggested that the level of prior achievement of trainees was low. Results also indicated that the environment created for learning by instructors was not conducive. Besides, the kind and magnitude of services and support provided by coordinating offices were not sufficient enough for producing the desired type of teachers. Based on these results of the study, it is concluded that the training program was not effective in producing teachers for the secondary schools of the country. As a result, it was recommended that candidates need to be recruited from the ranks of those with better levels of prior achievement. Besides, instructors and coordinators should create an environment suitable for learning and producing competent teachers