REINFORCING MENTORING PHILOSOPHY AND PRACTICES IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS FOR IMPARTING PROFESSIONALISM IN TEACHERS THROUGH TRAINING AND EDUCATION

Abstract

The research article “reinforcing mentoring philosophy and practices in secondary schools for imparting professionalism in teachers through training & education” is a descriptive study. Its objectives were to analyse the performance of secondary school teachers (SSTs) working in Punjab and to assess the culture of mentoring in the schools. The population was 73930 SSTs and 3682 head teachers. Multistage sampling technique was used to select the sample. Sample size of 2000 SSTs and 400 head teachers was selected randomly from 16 selected districts of Punjab. Two Likert type five point rating scales were used for data collection. Data were collected in person by the researchers as well as by mail. A competency analysis criterion was developed and minimum agreement level was determined for analysis. Mean scores and chi-square were applied to analyse the data. It was concluded that the performance of SSTs was not up to the standard. The neglecting attitude of SSTs and head teachers regarding mentoring, reinforcement and motivation of their colleagues on guidance and counselling of the learners, co-curricular activities and character building of the students was found through the study. Need of in-service training was strongly favoured by SSTs and head teachers. For imparting the professionalism in working SSTs along with enhancing their performance level, promotion of mentoring culture in schools and special input in the areas of guidance and counselling, co-curricular activities and character building of students through pre-service, induction and in-service training of SSTs as well as need of further studies on this problem were recommended.