Pitfalls on Child Study: Experience of Prospective Teachers of Dessie College of Teacher Education

Abstract

This study aimed to describe the pitfalls of child study project work during practicum IV by
graduating regular trainees in Dessie College of Teacher Education. The research design
was descriptive survey type, and data were obtained from 214 (30 %) trainees.
Questionnaires in the form of checklists and Focused Group Discussions were used in the
study. Moreover, percentages, cross-tabulations, frequencies and graphs were employed. The
results showed that the trainees' knowledge of the principles of child study is not adequate
enough. Furthermore, Trainees’ awareness of the criteria for selecting the subject to be
studied in child study project is adequate enough. However, trainees’ knowledge regarding
the types of children's behavior to be studied indicates that, except the intellectual and social
background, the rest (physical & personality) aspects are not adequately treated in the study.
It is recommended that Amhara Education Bureau include a chapter on “child study” in
psychology courses which allow trainees to do certain project practically before the time of
practicum.