Teaching-Learning Approaches and Practices in the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church (EOTC) Schools (Ye’Abinet Timhirt Betoch): Implications for Pedagogical Skills in Ethiopian Higher Education

Abstract

The study aims to explore the EOTC Schools' (i.e., Ye'abnet Timhirt Betoch) teaching and learning approaches and practices that could be useful for Higher Education Institutions. To carry out the study, a qualitative approach was used, and both primary and secondary data sources were utilized. Key informants for the primary data were selected using a purposive sampling technique that considered their expertise and experience in teaching and learning in the EOTC Schools. Thus, amongst the school types in EOTC, both Qinie Bet (School of Poetry) and Metsaheft Bet (School of Books) were visited. This was because the teachers and the students in the schools had the experience of learning and teaching in other school types. Three data-gathering instruments, namely, interview, FGD, and observation, were employed as primary data-gathering tools. Similarly, books, journals, and educational policies were utilized as secondary data sources. The findings revealed different kinds of teaching and learning approaches and practices in EOTC schools which help learners create successful learning and teaching environments and opportunities, and this can contribute to improving the quality of higher education in Ethiopia. Further studies are recommended to be made into Ye'abnet Timhirt Betoch to benefit Ethiopian Higher Education at large.