Teacher education by means of internship : a case study

Abstract

Teacher education through open and distance learning (ODL) and internships is not only crucial to addressing current and future needs of learners in South Africa, and Africa as a whole, it also encapsulates the possibilities of several much-needed new perspectives on these two fields. This research is a qualitative case study drawing from the subjective views of both the mentor teachers and the student-teacher interns already immersed in the ethos and everyday workings of a functioning local private school, PS. A case study was deemed to be an appropriate research design as the researcher is based on site and was able to spend extended time investigating, exploring and observing the student-teacher interns and their mentor teachers going about their daily routine. The sample of participants chosen comprised of the student teachers already based at PS and studying through ODL together with their assigned mentor teachers. The findings of this study reveal an expansion of the student-teacher intern’s field of involvement and participation in the school and all school related activities. The mentor teachers, as the data revealed, also benefitted in various ways and most importantly were provided with an opportunity to reflect on their personal teaching practice and philosophy. The study examined factors that facilitated or impeded the development and professional growth of the student-teacher intern and these factors had a direct bearing on the relationship that existed between the student teacher and their class mentor teacher. The data was collated from the open-ended questionnaires, the informal discussions held and the daily observation of the intern programme in action. The principle recommendations resulting from this study is based on the reported range of benefits to both the student teacher and the mentor teacher. The intern programme can be recognised and valued as a relevant contribution to the South African educational system as it would seem that the student teachers coming through this system feel confident, well informed and professionally ready to take on their own class of learners.