Teachers’ Perspectives on Professional Development in South Africa and Nigeria: Towards an Andragogical Approach

Abstract

This study explored the perspectives of teachers in both South Africa and Nigeria on professional development using andragogical approach. The quality of teachers translates to the quality of the education system; this is why many African countries have been making a significant impact on the professional development of their teachers. A qualitative method approach was employed to explore the views of South African and Nigerian teachers on the professional development activities available to them. Adult learning theory was used as the theoretical framework to underpin this interpretive study. Data collection was through semi-structured face to face interviews with 6 Heads of Departments and semi-structured focus group interviews with 10 teachers from 16 high schools in both countries. The interviews were audio-recorded with permissions from the participants, further transcribed, coded and analysed through content thematic analysis. Findings from both countries revealed that though there were professional development programmes for teachers. However, they were inadequate and irregular for the teachers every year. The study, therefore, recommends appropriate professional development activities for teachers at least once a term. The study also recommends that these professional development activities should focus on the teachers’ diverse classroom needs.

Received: 12 August 2020 / Accepted: 3 November 2020 / Published: 10 May 2021