Educators' Perceptions of Teaching Practice in Bahir Dar University

Abstract

Prospective teachers have to do some form of practical teaching
which is the central component of training, be it in universities,
colleges or institutions (Richards and Nunan, 1990; Brown and
Nacino - Brown, 1990). Teaching practice (henceforth, TP) has been
the focus of a number of research undertakings (Freeman, 1990).
Prior to TP all students should participate in a course in methods of
teaching which often tends to be theoretical. TP gives the practical
down-to-earth advice that is needed to deal with day-te-day problems
(Brown and Nacino-Brown, 1990). Stressing the importance of TP,
Freeman (1990) argues that it is during the practicum that trainees
are encouraged to develop, practice and refine their competence as
teachers. Various authors have provided a rationale for the TP
experience. For example, Sund and Trowbridge cited in Brown and
Nacino - Brown (1990:3) state: