+265(0)111 624 222
research@unima.ac.mw
Chirunga-Zomba, Malawi
+265(0)111 624 222research@unima.ac.mwChirunga-Zomba, MalawiAuthor: Kanyerere-Mkweteza, Sellina Supervisor(s): Nellie Mbano
Abstract
This is a ease study on how teaching and learning innovations were being implemented at Kasungu Teachers’ Training College in English lessons. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate how tutors implemented Learner Centered Approaches when teaching English after undergoing an in-service training programme. The study explored the tutors’ perceptions about the approaches, identified the challenges that tutors encountered as they implemented the innovation in the classroom and found out the mechanisms the tutors had identified in order to solve problems they encountered. A qualitative research design was employed and data was collected using informal and semi-structured interviews and lesson observation. The key respondents of the study were eight tutors, one college principal and one professional development officer from In WEnt Sandwich Programme. Major findings of the study indicated that the tutors have adopted the Learner Centred Approaches (LCAs) in their classrooms. The study also found that the perceptions of the tutors towards the new approaches were positive. ln addition, the study revealed that there were a lot of challenges that inhibited the effective implementation of the Learner Centred Approaches and these included among others, inadequate resources, time, lack of institutional support and large classes. The study also found that some tutors had devised strategies of coping with the challenges by modifying the approaches to suit their teaching environment and improvising resources from the local environment. This study recommends that the Ministry of Education should invest in the implementation of new teaching and learning innovations by providing the necessary support such as providing adequate resources and continuous professional development. In addition, the study recommends that the institutions should introduce resource centres to store teaching and learning resources which could readily be used in the classroom.
