Unveiling Execution Challenges to Life Skills Practices and its Way Forward: A Phenomenological Insight of Prospective Teachers at Universities of South Punjab

Abstract

The present study was envisioned to unveil the challenges in executing life skills encountered by prospective teachers in classroom and its way forward. The study applied phenomenological approach for investigating the problem from the respondents. A total of 28 prospective teachers were interviewed from three public sector universities located in South Punjab who were currently enrolled in teacher education programs under Department of Education of these universities. The respondents were selected based on purposive sampling technique. The data for the study were collected based on convenient sampling basis. For data collection, semi-structured interview guide was prepared and used. The interview instrument was tested before using in the field for data collection. Thematic analysis method was applied for analysis of the data. Based on analysis, five important themes emerged as main challenges regarding the practices of life skills implementation in teacher education departments of the public sector universities. These included, 1) lack of awareness, 2) time barriers and constraint, 3) lack of mechanism, 4) attitude restriction and 5) lack of supportive learning environment. The study results give pertinent information to management and leadership of teacher education institutions about the challenges faced by prospective teachers in learning and practicing the life skills and how to effectively implement these skills through classroom instruction.