LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT EXPERIENCE OF TAIWANESE STUDENTS IN THE SECONDARY EDUCATION PROGRAM

This study explored the learning and development experience of students in the Secondary Education Program (SEP). Twelve SEP students, with an average age of 23.35 years, volunteered to participate the semi-structured interview to share their experience. Data collected are presented in five key dimensions: learning experience, instructors' professional performance, learning environment, impact on self-development, and adjustments needed in the learning process. Participants were satisfied with the learning and development experience of SEP. They thought the program contents are rich, flexible, and diversified. The program fitted into the social conditions and cultural background that can be applied to both personal life and teaching career. Instructors of SEP cared about their students, they demonstrated enthusiasm and sophisticated techniques in teaching. Faculty of SEP have created a positive learning environment which was humane and inspiring; thus, students were encouraged to work together and support each other to take on various challenges and practice their teaching ideas. Participants suggested that (1) the hardware equipment and facilities of SEP could be further improved, and (2) instructors should allocate more time to discuss the competition status quo of teacher selection system and campus related issues to help SEP students better prepared for their teaching career. Key words: secondary education, learning, development, university student
The aim of Secondary Education Program (SEP) is to foster middle school teachers. With the declining birth rate in Taiwan, the demand for teachers in middle schools is diminishing. Hence, [...]