Historical development of teacher education in West-Nile: A case study of Arua Primary Teachers College

Abstract

This study traced the “Historical development of teacher education in West Nile; a case study of Arua Core Primary Teachers College”. The purpose of the study was to establish the factors that led to the development of the college and the effects of the changes on teaching and learning and the management of the college.

Case study design was employed in the study. The respondents were obtained using stratified and snowball sampling strategies, where a total of 93 people were engaged. Interview guides and questionnaires and observations were the instruments of data collection. The data was analyzed using simple percentages and presented in tables and quotations were as well got from the respondents.

The study found out that changes in the government and the foundation body policies were important in the development of Arua Primary Teachers’ College. The coordinated and well-intentional policies and reforms greatly influenced the teaching and learning processes in the college. These policies also initiated institution’s effective and efficient management.

Changes in the equipment of teachers over time have been responsive to the needs of the society; first, the vernacular teachers to enhance communication in the local language, later to English as well as the information technology that have taken the lead today.

Understaffing, over loaded tutors and in adequate facilities were found to result from the changes that took place in the college.

In conclusion, a number of effects accrue as a result of these Historical Development in teacher education, the demand for tutors and increase in number of students. However, teachers were prepared and supported during their course of training where critical element of higher student achievements was observed. As the college grew different principals serve from missionaries to Africans. From vernacular teacher training college to a Core PTC with support of students leadership for easy administration.

The study therefore recommends that there should be timely implementation of government programs in the college in order to simulate better performance of the students in the college. The study also suggests timely and comprehensive support from the government and foundation body to efficiency of management in the college.