Influence of Mentor-Mentee Interaction Patterns on Student Teachers’ Learning to Teach in Public Secondary Schools During Teaching Practicum

Abstract

This study examined the contribution of mentor-mentee interaction patterns on student teachers’ learning to teach during Teaching practicum (TP). The study objectives are: (i) to understand the interaction patterns between mentor teachers and student teachers during teaching practicum, (ii) to establish how those interaction patterns develop student teachers’ learning to teach. This study adopted a qualitative research approach using in-depth face-to-face interviews conducted twice for each interviewee of not less than forty (40) minutes as part of data collection. The interviews were carried out to six (6) third-year student-teachers who were posted in two neighbouring public secondary schools as their TP sites. The study found that: Mentorship relies much on interpersonal relationships and interaction patterns between student teachers and their mentor teachers. Four (4) possible interaction patterns in TP stations were identified. In practice, there is mentor teacher – student teacher, student teacher – students, student-teacher - student teacher, student teacher – resources interactions. Teacher education programs, policies, and documents recognize and have been stressing the importance and role of mentoring in student teachers, as part of their professional development. Student teachers have had higher expectations of the teachers they want to be in the future, but their way through mentor support is unclear and once they face “reality shock” during TP their efficacy becomes low. This leads to less motivation for a teaching career and increases the attrition rate of future teachers. In-service teachers do not assume the crucial role of assisting student teachers in learning to teach. In such circumstances, some student teachers have been struggling to develop their professional future due to limited mentorship in secondary schools. The study recommends enhanced teacher training programs and continuous in-service professional development models to accommodate sensitive mentorship skills