International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume IV, Issue IV, April 2020 | ISSN 2454–6186

Moral Values in Teacher Education: Exploring Conceptions among Tanzanian Teacher Educators and Trainees

Timotheo Elinihaki
The Open University of Tanzania Faculty of Education P.O. Box 23409, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Abstract:- This paper intends to present briefly my PhD study titled, “Moral Values in Teacher Education: Conceptions among Tanzanian Teacher Educators (TE) and Teacher Trainees (TT)”. The intention is to explore some of the imperative literatures reviewed in the study, methods for inquiry and some of the chief findings in all the four objectives of the actual study. Finally, the paper presents the main recommendations of the actual study including action to be taken and a suggestion for further research.

I. LITERATURE REVIEW

Introduction

The concept of moral values in teacher education came simultaneously with the introduction of formal education. However, in Tanzania moral values in teacher education have been under a hot discussion since the 1970s (Betweli, 2013). In all discussions the attentions were paid to what were “good” and what were “bad” or what were “wrong” and what were “right” for teachers in the everyday teaching commitments. One of the most important concerns in all discussions was about the kind of professional teachers the respective country would want to make out (Anangisye, 2010). This is because in all over the world teaching profession has always been tied to a noble activity and teachers have always been seen as people who should be morally upright and possessing ethical values that could give them credibility to take care and nurture the children that they teaches.

Theoretical Framework of the Study

In search of theories that can effectively put this study into perspective, the researcher opted Lev Vygotsky’s Socio-cultural theory (1978) as one of the theories. This theory is about how people as individuals develop into upright citizens and adopts acceptable behaviors as they engage in different social, cultural and religious practices.

Concept of Moral Values in Teacher Education

Moral values are the social, cultural and religious beliefs which tell us what is right or wrong (Encyclopedia Encarta, 2019). The teaching of moral values in teacher education must be regarded as part of the formal education as explained in Tanzania’s Professional Code of Conduct Regulations 65 (2).