The beliefs and the perceptions about teaching among teachers at Mulago School of Nursing and Midwifery

Abstract

Introduction: Teaching approaches can be learner-centered or teacher-centered. Learner-centered approach puts the learner at the center of the teaching-learning process and therefore promotes reflection and knowledge construction, consequently expertize development. On the other hand, teacher-centered approach results into superficial learning just to pass examinations. In view of this, the government and other stakeholders in education have taken measures including policy formulations, sensitization, et cetera to have learner-centered approach adopted in nurse and midwifery training. However, teachers in the schools continue embracing teacher centered approach. Objectives:The situation in nurse training called for a study to explore the beliefs and the perceptions the teachers at Mulago School of nursing and midwifery had about the different teaching approaches to help in making the necessary recommendations. Methods A qualitative study was carried out among 14 teachers at Mulago School of nursing and midwifery. Fourteen (14) teachers were purposively selected and those who consented to participate in the study were interviewed using an in-depth interview guide. The transcribed data were analyzed using the R computer assisted qualitative study software. Study findings. The teachers at Mulago School of nursing and midwifery believed that teaching was about transmitting knowledge and skills to the learner. The transmission was done using mainly lecture (teacher-centered) method. The approach was preferred because it was observed as the most effective in large student groups at the time. Teaching was perceived as a means of the teacher commanding authority among the learners and that it was a means of money-making for the teachers. Conclusions Guided by the social cognitive theory of learning, the teachers at Mulago School of nursing and midwifery have strong conviction that teacher-centered approach of teaching is the way to go with the ever increasing number of learners and limited number of teachers. The teachers perceive teaching as a means of getting recognition/ authority from the learners and also earning a living. Recommendations Building on the good will of the School administration for facilitative teaching in the School, there is need for the administrators to monitor, supervise and evaluate the teaching learning process in the school to enable learners get actively involved in the process for reflection and knowledge construction. At the same time, the Management has to lobby for more teachers who in turn must be sensitized about the available facilitative methods of teaching.