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The Realities of Teaching Practice for Nigerian Education Undergraduates: Emerging Challenges and New Directions


Authors : Nweze, Isaiah Ifeanyi; Fred-Ibe, God’s Favour; Ugwute, Charles Ogbonna; Nwovu, Chukwuka Abraham; Chukwu, Florence Amarachukwu

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 5 - May


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DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26May430

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Abstract : Teaching practice is a vital part of training future teachers in Nigeria, giving student-teachers real classroom experience to connect theory with practice. However, many student-teachers face significant challenges during this practicum. Problems like a lack of proper supervision, poor communication between universities and schools, financial pressures, overcrowded classrooms, and short teaching practice periods often make it hard for students to fully benefit from this important training. This paper looks closely at these challenges and explores how they affect the development of teaching skills. It also suggests practical ways to improve the experience. The paper further reviewed the prospects and new directions for teaching practice in Nigeria, therefor recommends among others that there should be better planning and placement of student-teachers, increased financial support, more training and monitoring of supervisors, stronger partnerships between universities and schools, and encouraging student reflection and peer support. The use of digital tools for supervision and feedback was also discussed as a helpful innovation. Finally, the paper emphasizes the need to give students more time for their teaching practice to allow deeper engagement. By addressing these issues thoughtfully, Nigerian universities can make teaching practice more effective, helping to prepare skilled and confident teachers who will improve education across the country.

Keywords : Teaching Practice, Nigerian Universities, Education Students, Challenges, Prospects.

References :

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Teaching practice is a vital part of training future teachers in Nigeria, giving student-teachers real classroom experience to connect theory with practice. However, many student-teachers face significant challenges during this practicum. Problems like a lack of proper supervision, poor communication between universities and schools, financial pressures, overcrowded classrooms, and short teaching practice periods often make it hard for students to fully benefit from this important training. This paper looks closely at these challenges and explores how they affect the development of teaching skills. It also suggests practical ways to improve the experience. The paper further reviewed the prospects and new directions for teaching practice in Nigeria, therefor recommends among others that there should be better planning and placement of student-teachers, increased financial support, more training and monitoring of supervisors, stronger partnerships between universities and schools, and encouraging student reflection and peer support. The use of digital tools for supervision and feedback was also discussed as a helpful innovation. Finally, the paper emphasizes the need to give students more time for their teaching practice to allow deeper engagement. By addressing these issues thoughtfully, Nigerian universities can make teaching practice more effective, helping to prepare skilled and confident teachers who will improve education across the country.

Keywords : Teaching Practice, Nigerian Universities, Education Students, Challenges, Prospects.

Paper Submission Last Date
31 - May - 2026

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