MICROTEACHING AS PREDICTOR OF BUSINESS EDUCATION STUDENTS’ TEACHING PRACTICE PERFORMANCE IN FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION ABEOKUTA

Abstract

Serious complaint from many proprietors of private schools concerning the quality of student teachers posted to their schools informed the decision of the researchers to examine micro-teaching of Business Education students in FCE Abeokuta. Two objectives, one research question and two null hypotheses guided the study. The study adopted mixed methods (QUAN + QUAL) research design which involved the collection and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data. The population and sample for the study comprised 134 Business Education students who undertook microteaching in the 2022/2023 academic session and also completed teaching practice during the 2023/2024 session. The study adopted purposive sampling technique to select only final year Business Education students who have participated in microteaching and teaching practice. Two major instruments were used to gather data. They include structured questionnaire and an unstructured interview template. The two instruments were validated by experts in Business Education and one expert in educational technology. The reliability test yielded 0.85 and 0.78 for the questionnaire and interview template respectively. Quantitative data gathered with the questionnaires were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics while qualitative data gathered through interviews were analysed using content analysis. Findings revealed that microteaching helps students appropriate pedagogical and class management skills. It was also revealed the microteaching has significant relationship with teaching practice. Finally, the study recommended regular assessment and constructive feedback during microteaching session to help student prepare adequately for teaching practice and the world of work after graduation.