The design and implementation of an in-service training programme for art and crafts teachers in Lesotho

[摘要] The central focus of the study was to investigate the problems of teaching Art and Crafts in theLesotho primary schools. Furthermore, the study seeks to investigate the extent that in-servicetraining could be utilised to enhance the knowledge, appreciation, skill and attitude of teachers inthe subject (Art and Crafts)In conducting the study, the following objectives were set and achieved:�?To investigate the mode of in-service Art and Crafts training programme which can serveas a catalyst to improve the ability and morale of teachers in the teaching of Art andCrafts.�?To find out the type of approach towards lesson plans, art materials and teaching methodsas well as reference materials which will improve the quality of teachers' knowledge.�?To find out the impact of follow up workshop on the teachers' teaching performance inthe districts.�?To design an in-service Art and Crafts curriculum for a Distance Teacher EducationProgramme (DTEP) for the NTTC (a programme to be implemented to replace theexisting general in-service training programme in 2002).�?To make recommendations which can improve the teaching and learning of Art and Craftsin the Lesotho primary schools.The action originated when the research became aware that Art and Crafts is now a coresubject in the Lesotho primary schools and that the subject was going to be assessed atstandard seven level (Grade 8) by the end of2001 but teachers lacked the qualifications. Tothis time, the MOE has still not implemented it.The researcher adopted the action research design for the study. An incidental sampling approachwas utilised for selecting the sample. Invitation for the in-service training workshop was sent outto 520 unqualified teachers across the 10 districts of the Kingdom ofLesotho. However, only 498teachers responded to the first call.A workshop was organised for the purpose of introducing teachers to the basics of Art and Craftsin the primary schools. The first workshop was followed by a Follow-up workshop after onemonth, where teachers exhibited their pupils' art works brought with them from their schools (Evaluation forms discussed and informal assessment of pupils' works displayed, indicatedthat teachers understood what was learnt in the first workshop and they had disseminated theinformation and skills gained to their pupils). 384 teachers responded for the secondworkshop.Finally, the researcher designed a proposed Art Curriculum for Distance Teacher EducationProgramme (DTEP) for the in-service division at NTIC. The focus was to provideunqualified teachers in other districts as well as remote areas with the opportunity to obtain aDiploma Certificate while still working as teachers (Refer to Appendix L).The researcher recommends, among others that:�?The NCDC should supply syllabi to all primary schools in order to assist teachers inteaching Art and Crafts.�?The initial in-service training course that has started by the NTIC is not satisfactoryenough. Several types of in-service programmes must be evolved to increase teachers'knowledge and to boost their motivation. The researcher believes that teachers will becapable of teaching Art and Crafts in the primary schools after completion of the inservicetraining workshop.�?Workshops could also be held in the district centres for pupils and the community atlarge where they could become active producers and share ideas on visual and culturalaspects of the environment.�?Inspectors from the MOE should make follow-up workshops to schools in order tocheck if teachers are performing up to standard in art teaching.It was concluded that practical experience in primary school art gained during the first andthe second workshops have increased confidence of the teachers. Also the quality ofknowledge, appreciation, skills and attitude for teachers in Art and Crafts was boosted.Finally, the proposed Art curriculum for in-service training by Distance Learning for primaryteachers will help all teachers who are interested to gain guidance and support on school art.

[发布机构] University of the Free State