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Full Length
Research Paper
Induction
needs of beginning teachers in public primary schools in
Kenya: a case study of Bungoma east and north districts
Enose M.W. Simatwa
Department of Educational Management and Foundation, Maseno
University.
E-mail:
simatwae@yahoo.com
Received 20 October, 2010; Accepted 29 October, 2010
This study investigated induction needs of beginning
teachers in public primary schools in Bungoma East and North
districts, Kenya. The study used descriptive survey research
design. The study population consisted of 228 head teachers,
228 deputy head teachers and 238 beginning teachers in 228
public primary schools in the two districts. Proportionate
stratified sampling was used to sample 204 head teachers,
204 deputy head teachers and 113 beginning teachers. Two
instruments were used for the study. These were
questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Qualitative data was
transcribed and analyzed on an on-going process as themes
and sub-themes emerged. Quantitative data was analyzed by
use of descriptive statistics inform of percentages,
frequency counts and means. The findings of the study showed
that beginning teachers should be inducted in the following
areas; knowledge of school policies; how to adapt rapidly in
new work environment, classroom management; operation of
team work and time management. It was also found out that
there was need to hold induction seminars regularly and
enhance consultations and designation of experienced
teachers as mentors to the beginning teachers. Based on the
findings of the study, it was concluded that induction needs
of beginning were many and needed to be addressed through
seminars and mentoring. The study recommended that
experienced teachers should work as a team; mentors to have
regular consultations and the Ministry of Education to
restructure the schools organizational systems to cater for
individual needs of beginning teachers for effective
induction of beginning teachers.
Keywords:
Beginning Teachers, Bungoma East and North Districts,
Induction Needs, Primary Schools, Kenya. |