CHALLENGES STUDENT TEACHERS EXPERIENCE WHEN PREPARING AND IMPLEMENTING MICROTEACHING LESSONS AT THE NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF LESOTHO.

Abstract

In this paper, a qualitative research approach was used to design the study which investigated the challenges experienced by student teachers during micro teaching in the Faculty of Education at the National University of Lesotho. Data for this study was collected during the supervision of these students while carrying out pre-microteaching activities such as interpreting the syllabus, planning and rehearsing for their sessions. Data was also collected from students during their oral presentations and from their written materials. The information collected was recorded in a form of field notes which were later transcribed and analysed using a thematic approach. According to the findings of this study, the main challenges faced by the student teachers in the microteaching activities is using English as a medium of communication, interpretation of the syllabus, selection of teaching methods, over and under planning and organisational strategies. It is recommended that student teachers be discouraged from using non-conventional language, use both curriculum and syllabus when planning a lesson, spread their knowledge on different teaching methods and plan compile their microteaching portfolios way ahead of time.