Abstract:

This paper presents the outcomes of a qualitative study that explored how the improper attitude of the Cooperating Schools’ staff discourages the prospective teachers during their crucial stay at this institution. Information cum amelioration program was chalked out apropos of the pupil teachers’ practicum in the Cooperating Schools. The underlying ideas were to have a clearer picture of the entire situation and scheme of things in which the decisive phase of the future teachers’ training took place. The focal point of the program was to maximize the opportunity of Teaching Practice as much as possible. Pupil Teachers, Cooperating Schools’ staff and students of those schools of Faisalabad City were the subjects of the study. They were selected randomly but emphases were on those Cooperating Schools which house more prospective teachers during Teaching Practice. Two high schools each for boys and girls were treated as sample. Two sections of secondary class from each school and their respective teachers were chosen for the study. Eight male and eight female prospective teachers were focused for the purpose of the research. Relevant data were collected in October and November 2011. The people concerned were interacted at length to know the core of the issue at hand. Teaching learning activities by the prospective teachers were closely monitored on the spot and the specific ambience was noted and analyzed exhaustively. The study confirms that majority of the prospective teachers are eager to teach and deliver their best but the first stage of their exposure or practical work is not encouraging one. They have complained of inertia and disinterestedness at the part of administration and teachers. The administration does not arrange appropriate classes for the prospective teachers that are why their excitement is hampered. Objective deliberation pertaining to the present moribund situation show that untoward conditions of cooperating schools impoverish the prospective teachers at the very out set and responsibilities of the Cooperating Schools are very sensitive and go a long way in enhancing the morale of the future teachers .

Keywords:

Prospective Teachers, Cooperating Schools, Teaching Practice, First Exposure, School Ambience, Inertia.