NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT: THE ROLE OF TEACHER EDUCATION

Abstract

Dynamism is the hallmark of mankind and this is manifested in man's constant search for the improvement of himself and his lot; a constant change that leads to the development of nations and the world. Since this development of nations is a desired goal, it must be achieved through the pursuit and implementation of deliberate policies.

This study attempts a critical look at what I consider to be a vital area of our development strategy. Development cannot be possible without relevant education and, as the National Policy on Education (1981) aptly puts it, an education system is only as good as its teachers. Having accepted this, the study looks at a strategic group of our teachers being trained to educate our children to fit into the desired development plans of our country.

The study traces our development efforts from the colonial days to present times, looks at the type of education offered to sustain such development and sees why the need arose for the new policy of education which is designed to put the right people in the right places so that we can develop in the correct modern context of technology.

The general conclusion of this study is that from what we have been able to see of teacher eduction at the level in focus, it will be difficult (if not impossible) for us to achieve our desired goals of national development. From this general conclusion, specific conclusions have been arrived at and recommendations proffered to lead us in the right direction.

It should be realised that this study is not exhaustive and only points out a general trend that is quite disturbing which is that teacher education generally needs urgent and sustained attention.