Tutors ’and student teachers’ attitude towards learner centred approach in Mtwara region

This study investigated Tutors’ and Student Teachers’ Attitude towards Learner-Centred Approach in Teaching and Learning. It was conducted in two teachers’ colleges in Mtwara region. A descriptive survey design and mixed approach specifically concurrent triangulation design were used in this study in order to achieve the objectives of the study. The respondents included 12 English language tutors and 96 student teachers who were selected purposively and by cluster sampling technique respectively. Data were collected through questionnaires, observations and interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using frequencies and percentages and qualitative data were analysed in a thematic manner. The study findings revealed that English language tutors and English language student teachers had positive attitude towards learner-centred approach in teaching and learning English language. In the classroom observations, the findings showed that English language tutors used learner-centred strategies in teaching and learning. Among the strategies used were group discussion, question and answer, independent inquiry method, student classroom presentations, allowing student teachers to move free while learning, and allowing student teachers to ask more questions and to reply to their fellow student teachers questions. Additionally, through interviews the respondents agreed to prefer and use learner-centred strategies in teaching and learning.The study findings also revealed that, English language tutors and student teachers were facing insufficient of teaching and learning resources, lack of interest and readiness to some students and overloaded curriculum during the implementation of the learner-centred approach. From the findings it was concluded that, majority of English language tutors and English language student teachers had positive attitude towards learner-centred approach and to a large extent tutors and student teachers used learner-centred strategies in teaching and learning English language.Based on the study findings the study recommends the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training (MoEVT) to provide in-service training to tutors in order to be up-to-date with changes in the curriculum and realize how to use the learner-centred approach. Also, the MoEVT and TIE should ensure sufficient availability of T/L resources that are necessary for the implementation of the LCA.