Enhancement of Learning among Pre-Service Teachers in the Higher Teacher Training College Bambili in Cameroon

Abstract

At the beginning of each academic year, most students are very enthusiastic to succeed in their studies. As time goes by some of them become reluctant and pile up their notes thinking they have enough time ahead of them. At the end of the day it becomes difficult to study effectively because of little or no knowledge on how to learn. This paper was designed to examine the extent to which student teachers employ learning strategies (time management, rehearsals/research, study/alert hours and study groups) to enhance their learning out of the classroom.  An exploratory research design was used in this study in order to get in-depth qualitative data on how they enhance their learning. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select a sample of 100 fifth year students from both Arts and science Departments of the Higher Teacher Training College (HTTC) Bambili in the University of Bamenda. A questionnaire comprising open and close ended items and informal interactions were used to collect the data. After analysing the data using descriptive statistics, the findings revealed that most students had problems with time management where they put in few hours in their studies at home; some rehearse their note mostly in preparation for a test or end of semester examinations; while few of them have effective study groups. In order to enhance learning, students need to be effective time managers, carryout intensive research and rehearsals, study during their alert hours and make good use of study groups. It is very essential for students to be trained on how to learn.