TEACHING PRACTICE:CHALLENGES FACED AND PERCEPTIONS HELD BY STUDENT-TEACHERS

The purpose of the study was to identify the challenges faced and perceptions held by student teachers in teacher training colleges in Kenya. A specific case of Tambach was studied. In arriving at the sample for the study, both purposive and random sampling techniques were applied in which twenty seven (27%) percent of male and female in every school participated. The data for the study was collected through a self completed questionnaire which comprised of Likert type questions, rating items and open-ended questions. The data was analyzed using the SPSS programme in which frequencies, percentages and cross tabulation were calculated. The analyzed data was presented using Bar charts and Tables. The study revealed that student teachers experienced some challenges which included confusing formats of the schemes of work for same subject, departure and arrival time which was seen to be too early and late respectively among others. Student teachers were found to be holding positive perceptions about teaching practice which included giving them an opportunity to interact with regular teachers and share everyday teaching experiences. A number of recommendations were made; which if implemented would improve the face of teaching practice in teacher training colleges.