Contemporary Pedagogical Strategies and Learners’ Academic Achievement in National Teachers’ Colleges (NTCs) in Uganda

The study examined the effect of contemporary pedagogical strategies, specifically problem-based learning and learning contracts, in National Teachers’ Colleges (NTCs) in Uganda. The objectives of the study were to: i) examine the effects of problem-based learning on academic achievement of learners in NTCs in Uganda & ii) analyse the effect of learning contracts on academic achievement of learners in NTCs in Uganda. The study adopted a cross-sectional design and was underpinned by pragmatist philosophy with an explanatory sequential type of mixed methods. Data was collected from 681 respondents with the help of questionnaires, Key informant interviews, and document review. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS version 29 for statistical data, while qualitative data was analysed in themes to draw conclusions for the study. The results revealed that there was a strong positive relationship between learning contracts and completion rate, with a correlation of 0.71 at a p-value of <0.01. Learners in NTCs gained skills and values to enhance their ability to teach and learn in lower secondary schools (pedagogical skills). Further, there was a strong positive relationship between problem-based learning and academic achievement of 0.31 with a p-value of < 0.01 on skills. It was concluded that Problem-based learning increased learner engagement and aided them to score better grades, while Learning contracts motivated learners in NTCs to do their coursework, project work, and research. The study recommended continuous professional development and support supervision to teacher trainers so as to enhance their skills in the implementation of contemporary pedagogical techniques, specifically problem-based techniques.