ROLE OF MENTORS IN THE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF
STUDENT TEACHERS

ROLE OF MENTORS IN THE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF
STUDENT TEACHERS

RITTAH KASOWE

The study investigated the extent to which teachers enhance the professional development of student teachers.
The purpose was to find ways of eradicating or covering the gap that existed between college lecturers and
school mentors as far as school based initial training is concerned. The study employed the descriptive survey
method, documents and interviews were used as research instruments. The population of the study was twenty
respondents 10 mentors and 10 student teachers who had just began their second year teaching practice. The
sample was chosen using purposive sampling. School administrators and senior teachers monitored the
recording of the diaries. This ensured a 100% data recording. It was found that mentors demonstrated a limited
understanding of the concept of mentoring and viewed colleges as better placed to help student teachers in
their professional development. There were no clear guidelines to be followed by mentors hence student
teachers received limited assistance, support and guidance from mentors. The study recommended further
research at macro level to find out the extent mentors were enhancing the professional development of student
teachers and the implications of school based initial teacher education in Zimbabwean education system

Prime Research on Education (PRE)

2013