Discussion Paper 19. On-the-Job Training: Pre-service Teacher Training in Trinidad and Tobago

Abstract

Since 1993, a specifically designed On-the-Job Training (OJT), Pre-Service Teacher Training Programme has been used as a vehicle for providing some measure of pre-service training for prospective primary school teachers. This is an exploratory study of that programme using primarily qualitative methods, such as interviews with trainees and personnel working on the scheme; content analysis of curriculum documents; and some field observations. Key research questions were: who is recruited, is it a good filter for training, what is the organizational culture of the programme, what are the stated philosophies underpinning the programme, what is the nature of the curriculum, and what is the organization of its delivery. Findings are that: firstly, OJT is having an impact on the preparedness of trainees, but it is not as efficient as it could be; secondly, it was set up without adequate resources; thirdly, that mentoring and monitoring are key ingredients of the programme and there are signs of increasing collaboration between personnel; and fourthly that there are no links between OJT and the college curriculum. Recommendations include: the need for a computerized database in order to provide accurate quantitative information about the programme; the need to build on and extend collaboration between staff in schools and colleges involved in teacher preparation; and following from that, the need to tie in the college curriculum more closely to the OJT programme