8.3 The Theory/Practice Interface

There was concern that there is no bridge between what is taught in the theory classes by the tutors and what obtains in the schools with the mentor teachers. The lack of communication between tutors and mentor teachers could result in confusion for the trainees. The mentor teachers depend on the trainees for information on what they are taught in the theory classes. It was initially assumed that since DCs were also SSs, they would be able to supervise the trainees at formal theory sessions and at school. However, the heavy official workload of the DCs does not permit this. Mentor teachers interviewed reported that they had never seen a supervisor. The zone coordinators for secondary schools found it impossible to visit trainees at school, therefore, the principals and mentor teachers provided the only monitoring that occurred.

The recently appointed APC is trying to bridge this gap by single-handedly visiting all the schools to which trainees are assigned, and supervising their performances on the job. In addition, the APC has begun monitoring Saturday classes and vacation training sessions to get an idea of what is happening at all levels of the programme. It seems a mammoth task for one person.