Dissertation: Transforming Eritrean Classrooms – The Promise and Challenges of Learner-Centred Interactive Pedagogy (Abraham Tadesse Bahta)
MA Abraham Tadesse Bahta’s research explores teachers' perceptions, understanding and challenges in implementing LCIP, revealing generally positive attitudes toward this pedagogy but identifying systemic obstacles such as hierarchical structures, limited professional development, large class sizes, an exam-focused system, and lack of knowledge regarding student needs.
Furthermore, the study examines classroom practices, finding that despite challenges, teachers incorporate dialogic elements like group activities and open questioning. However, conventional teaching methods often persist, showing a need for further support and professional development. The study also identified a promising DT intervention, which fosters interactive and reflective engagement to enhance teacher-student interactions in classrooms and to promote LCIP.
Further efforts needed to bridge theory and practice
Overall, the study provides important insights into how DT can enrich the theory and practice of LCIP for student learning. As a result, the findings identify elements of LCIP and seeds of dialogic teaching embedded within traditionally structured lessons in enhancing classroom interactions in Eritrea.
“However, to drive a meaningful pedagogical reform, more profound transformations in teacher thinking, beliefs, readiness, conviction, knowledge, awareness, motivation and professional development programmes are required”, Abraham states.
The research informs a need for greater material, contextual and cultural understanding of LCIP to be established in ensuring quality interactions in the teaching process.
“Implementation of LCIP requires redefinition of cultural and contextual understanding of the existing pedagogical practice to bridge the gap between theory and practice”, Abraham notes.
Abraham’s dissertation consists of three sub-studies and employs a qualitative research design that includes interviews, lesson observations, video-recordings, field notes, and an intervention.
MA Abraham Tadesse Bahta defends his doctoral dissertation in teacher education "Strengthening learner-centred interactive pedagogy through dialogic teaching in Eritrean secondary school" on February 27th. The event is held at Ruusupuisto building, room D104 (Helena) and starts at 12 o'clock.
The opponent is Prof. Mgr. Klára Šeďová (Masaryk University) and custos is senior lecturer Josephine Moate.
The event will be held in English. .
Further Information
Abraham Tadesse Bahta
abrtad@gmail.com
