PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS’ 'LEVELS OF USE’ OF LEARNER CENTRED METHODS IN DEDZA DISTRICT IN MALAWI

Abstract

The study was to investigate the primary school teachers' „Levels of Use‟ of learner centred methods in Bembeke and Boma zones in Dedza District. The respondents were 165 teachers in the two zones. The study was informed and directed by quantitative research design and it used a survey methodology. The researcher used questionnaires and lesson observation checklists to generate data. Data was analysed by descriptive statistics and the results of the study have indicated that primary school teachers were at different levels of use‟ ranging from non use to renewal level. Again, in view of Concerns Based Adoption Model, the study has revealed that majority of primary school teachers are at upper levels of Levels of Use stratum from routine up to renewal levels. However, some teachers were still grappling with the use of learner centred methods in their lessons. In view of these findings, this study makes two critical recommendations. Firstly, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology through the Department of Teacher Education and Development should initiate school based in-service training so that all teachers are well grounded in the use of learner-centred methods. Secondly, teachers should be encouraged to be reflective and improve on their teaching approaches so as to meet different learning needs of their students.