Professional Development Studies (PDS) Department:
Nurturing Educators for Excellence
At the forefront of our institution's commitment to professional growth and excellence, the Professional Development Studies (PDS) Department offers a comprehensive program designed to equip prospective primary and secondary school teachers and administrators with the necessary knowledge, skills, competences, attitudes, and values.
Guided by the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science, and Technology Development's Heritage Based Education 5.0 Philosophy and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education's Competence Based Curriculum, our program is structured to address the following key objectives:
- Developing Teacher Professionalism.
- Cultivating awareness and knowledge of the Teaching Profession.
- Inculcating professional values, ethics, and attitudes aligned with the Heritage Based Education 5.0 Philosophy to effectively implement the Competence Based Curriculum.
- Enhancing proficiency in 21st-century technology-based methodologies for teaching and learning across various subjects.
- Providing specialized content in specific Professional Development Studies components.
Our Professional Development Studies components encompass the following key areas:
- Professional Studies Syllabus 'A' (PSA): Focuses on general classroom practice and management, theories of learning and teaching, public service regulations, policies, conditions of service, and classroom documentation, including Micro-Teaching.
- Professional Studies Syllabus 'C' (PSC): Emphasizes research methods and provides opportunities for student teachers to explore, reflect, resolve, and report on educational classroom practice issues.
- Professional Studies Syllabus 'D' (PSD): Introduces contemporary subjects such as National and Strategic Studies (NASS), promoting an appreciation of national history, economic development, and fostering patriotism. Additionally, Health and Life Skills curriculum focuses on cultivating personal and interpersonal skills essential for physical, mental, and social well-being.
Attachment Teaching Practice:
During a specific period of the course, students undergo attachment teaching practice in schools, allowing them to apply the skills acquired at the college. In addition to college-based supervision and assessment, students are externally assessed by the Department of Teacher Education at the University of Zimbabwe, ensuring comprehensive evaluation and readiness for the teaching profession.
