Teacher Educators and Student Teachers’ Perceptions on the Implementation of Learner-Centred Pedagogy in Higher Education in Rwanda
Valens Ngarukiye
College of Education, University of Rwanda, P.O. Box 5039, Kigali, Rwanda.
Dieudonné Tuyishime
College of Education, University of Rwanda, P.O. Box 5039, Kigali, Rwanda.
Olivier Habimana
College of Education, University of Rwanda, P.O. Box 5039, Kigali, Rwanda.
Venuste Nsengimana
College of Education, University of Rwanda, P.O. Box 5039, Kigali, Rwanda.
Joseph Nzabahimana
College of Education, University of Rwanda, P.O. Box 5039, Kigali, Rwanda.
Gabriel Bazimaziki *
College of Education, University of Rwanda, P.O. Box 5039, Kigali, Rwanda.
Wenceslas Nzabalirwa
College of Education, University of Rwanda, P.O. Box 5039, Kigali, Rwanda.
Peter Mtika
School of Education, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 5UA, UK.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Most of research conducted on Learner-Centered Pedagogy (LCP) in sub-Saharan region recommend further exploration of its implementation. This study sought to look into it with particular interest in learner-centred application at University of Rwandan - College of Education.The study adopted a mixed method approach with a sample size of 278 teacher educators and student teachers.The findings revealed teachers’ positive perceptions of learner-centred pedagogy with a grand mean of 3.70 and students’ moderate perceptions with a mean of 3.01. Likewise, the findings highlighted the implementation of LCP at a moderate level with a mean of 3.23. Results bespeak that LCP was influenced by teachers’ heavy workload (Mean: 4.07), limited resources and facilities (Mean: 4.00), students’ reluctance to be active participants (Mean: 3.47), insufficient time allocated to lessons (Mean: 3.47), lack of funding (Mean: 3.33) and perceived students’ low ability (Mean: 3.17). Coping with any of these challenges will yield effective LCP implementation in higher education.
Keywords: Constructivism, learner-centred pedagogy, student teachers, teacher educators, higher education.