Service-Users’ Perceptions of Quality of Teacher Education Products in Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

It is generally believed that the quality of teachers affects the quality of education in any society. Consequently, the Federal Government of Nigeria recognizes the need to place emphasis on teacher education in national development. This study therefore investigated the quality of the products of teacher education programme as perceived by the users of teachers services in schools. The study was guided by four research questions and corresponding null hypotheses. The descriptive survey research design, which was ex-post facto in nature was used for the study. The study population comprised Principals of public and approved private secondary schools in Lagos State. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select 530 participants. A researcher-designed instrument entitled Quality of Teacher Education Programme Descriptive Questionnaire (QTEPDQ) was used for data collection. Independent t-test statistical tool was used for data analysis. Findings showed a significant difference in the quality of lesson preparation (t=-.312; df =528; p<.05), lesson delivery (t=-.422; df =528;p<.05) and mastery of the subject matter (t=-.333; df =528;p<.05) between graduates of Colleges of Education and Universities. However, no significant difference was established in classroom management effectiveness (t=-.304; df =528; p>.05). It was suggested that teaching practice exercise, especially in Nigerian universities should be re-organized to better equip the teacher-trainees in the practical aspect of teaching. There is also the need for teacher registration council of Nigeria to be more proactive in its mandates, specifically, as it concerns the internship programme.