Abstract:

This study investigated the experience of second year student teachers who are doing Bachelor of Education (B ED), from Central University of Technology during practice teaching in rural secondary schools of South Africa. Participants were a purposive sample of 20 B ED ,Economic and Management Science (EMS) student teachers who were doing four weeks practice teaching in secondary schools of South Africa,(female=70% Black =99%). Data on their experience during practice teaching were collected using semi-structured individual interview. The data were thematically analyzed open-coding. The finding indicated student teachers experienced language, parent involvement, discipline as a challenge in most of the schools as a factor contribute towards the poor performance of learners in schools .The learners to need support for in their school work from parents, extended family or guardians and to make sure that they perform well at school with good attendance, school task engagement and follow through from their parents. The student teachers experienced the high rate of absenteeism and lack of motivation amongst teacher and learners despite the effort taken by the Department of Basic Education. The teacher’s development and professional development need to be introduced to assist all the stakeholders in education.

Keywords:

student teachers, experience, practice-teaching, school.