3. Methodology

Newly qualified teachers were identified as those teachers who had graduated from the Teachers' Colleges in the last three years. Eight such teachers were interviewed, six females and two males from five schools in the eastern part of the island. The schools were chosen because they were easily accessible and included both denominational and government primary schools. There were two government schools, one Roman Catholic, one Hindu and one Muslim.

Three principals were interviewed and data were also obtained from a focus group interview with principals. Classroom observation was also carried out with seven teachers, as the eighth teacher did not wish to be observed.