Prospective teachers beliefs about teaching and learning in the state of Goa

In this study pedagogical beliefs of student-teachers at three colleges in Goa state are examined. Data was collected by means of a questionnaire constructed by the researcher had been pilot tested. The underlined hypotheses were derived through the use of SPSS and ADANCO software. The theory of cognitivism is applied to analyse the beliefs of student-teacher. There is no gender dispersion, however certain teaching and pedagogical beliefs vary depending on the geographical background of the student-teachers. The beliefs of these student-teachers are influenced by their economic conditions. Study results demonstrated that students could learn more effectively by asking questions rather than just listening to their teachers. It is more likely that instructors believe in asking questions in teaching than in silent classroom. The study concluded that many teaching beliefs reflect characteristics of teachers before entering the profession, and at least some of these beliefs have socioeconomic antecedents.