RELEVANCE OF SOCIAL STUDIES STUDENT-TEACHERS’ READINESS AND PREPAREDNESS IN THE DELIVERY OF TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAMMES IN UNIVERSITIES IN NIGERIA
1 Department of Arts and Social Science Education, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
2 Hope Academy Secondary School, Akwanga, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
* Corresponding author: mohammedsarkinfada@gmail.com
2 Hope Academy Secondary School, Akwanga, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
* Corresponding author: mohammedsarkinfada@gmail.com
Abstract
This paper conceptually examines the relevance of Social Studies student-teachers’ readiness and preparedness inthe delivery of teacher education programmes in universities in Nigeria. The effectiveness of teacher educationlargely depends on the extent to which student-teachers possess and apply essential pedagogical, content,technological, and psychological competencies. Anchored on Constructivist Learning Theory and ReflectivePractice Theory, the paper distinguishes between readiness as the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and attitudes,and preparedness as their practical application in classroom contexts. It highlights key dimensions such aspedagogical competence, content mastery, technological integration, and professional disposition as critical toeffective instructional delivery. The paper further identifies challenges affecting student-teachers’ development,including inadequate teaching practice, poor ICT integration, and limited mentorship. It concludes thatstrengthening readiness and preparedness is vital for improving instructional quality and achieving educationalgoals in Nigeria. The paper made the following suggestions: Enhancing teaching practice, integration ofexperiential and reflective learning, improved ICT training, provision of adequate resources, and sustainedmentorship programs.
Keywords
Social Studies
Student-Teachers
readiness
preparedness
teacher education
Nigeria.
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How to Cite
SARKIN-FADA, M. A., & ACHENEJE, A. U. (2026). RELEVANCE OF SOCIAL STUDIES STUDENT-TEACHERS’ READINESS AND PREPAREDNESS IN THE DELIVERY OF TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAMMES IN UNIVERSITIES IN NIGERIA. Journal of Educational Research and Development, 21(1), 1-8.
M. A. SARKIN-FADA, and A. U. ACHENEJE, "RELEVANCE OF SOCIAL STUDIES STUDENT-TEACHERS’ READINESS AND PREPAREDNESS IN THE DELIVERY OF TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAMMES IN UNIVERSITIES IN NIGERIA," Journal of Educational Research and Development, vol. 21, no. 1, pp. 1-8, June 2026.