The Mastery Level of Bachelor Degree Practicum Students of Special Education in the State of Perak towards Basic Teaching Skills

Abstract

This study aims to identify the level of mastery of practicum students of special education on 11 basic skills of teaching. This study employs a quantitative method and it is supported by interviews and observation.  The study respondents involve 9 practicum students of special education who are undergoing teaching practice in Perak also 9 of their teachers-cum-mentors who are involved in the training. The questionnaire built about questions related to their knowledge and mastery about basic teaching skills. Data were analysed through the descriptive analysis using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) using the mean score and standard deviation, whereas interviews were transcribed to answer the study questions. The outcome of the analysis obtained from the practicum students suggests that the practicum students are at high level of knowledge interpretation and mastery with their respective mean values at 3.64 and 3.65.  However, it contradicts the questionnaire analysis involving mentors with regard to their level of knowledge and mastery. The outcome remains at moderate interpretation level with the mean values respectively 3.05 and 2.95. It is also supported by an analysis from the interview transcription.  The root cause for the implication on this moderate mastery level needs to be identified because there is a lack of uniformity between the practicum students themselves and their mentors, and the basic skills in teaching. It needs closer inspection and requires further studies.