An Investigation Of The Major Challenges That Encounter Science And Mathematics Student Teachers In The Implementation Of Teaching Practice Exercise In Morogoro Municipality

This paper investigated the major challenges that encounter science and mathematics student teachers during the implementation of teaching practice exercise in Morogoro Municipality. Morogoro Teachers college, Lupanga practicing school and Morogoro secondary school were used in the data collection. Despite the experiences that science and mathematics student teachers enrich during teaching practice exercise, they also encounter some challenges which in one way or another can hamper their ability to derive maximum benefit in becoming effective and competent science and mathematics teachers through teaching practice exercise.The study employed qualitative approach with a case study design where Key informant interview, observation focus group discussion and documentary review were the main methods of data collection. The 34 respondents were purposively involved in data collection. Content analysis was used to analyze data thematically. The major challenges revealed by the study were the lack of raking of practicing schools and improper allocation of science and mathematics student teachers, improper time frame to start teaching practice, inadequate funds, lack of teaching and learning resources, lack of cooperation and support as well as lack of the involvement in extra co-curricular activities. The researcher recommend the Ministry of education, teachers’ colleges and practicing secondary schools to be aware of the challenges that hamper science and mathematics student teachers to achieve their desired outcome that is to become effective and competent science and mathematics teachers through teaching practice exercise. Key Words: Teaching Practice, Challenges, Implementation, Science and Mathematics Student Teachers, Teachers’ Colleges, Practicing Schools. Policy