ENHANCING QUALITY TEACHING THROUGH MENTORING: THE PERCEPTION OF PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS IN OWERRI EDUCATION ZONE OF IMO STATE

Abstract

The aim of the study was to find out the perception of teachers towards enhancing their professional and human developments through mentoring using Owerri Educational zone. The result of the study would be significant as it would provide a basis for incorporating the mentoring system into teachers' development programmes. Four research questions were formulated to guide the study. A simple random sampling technique with non-replacement balloting was used to sample hundred (900) teachers in the area of study. Data for the study were collected using a structured questionnaire relating to the topic and analysed with simple percentages The result of the analysis showed those primary school teachers were not aware of the benefits of enhancing their profession and personal development through mentoring. Teachers in the area of study had a negative perception towards enhancing their personal and professional development through mentoring by years of experience. The levels o f education, sex are not determining factors in the teacher's perception o f their professional development through mentoring. Based on the result some recommendations were made which include a review of the current development programmes of teachers to incorporate the mentoring system, and team teaching should be encouraged to facilitate networking and sharing of best practices among teachers among others.