). Evaluating Challenges to Quality Mentorship of Sports and Physical Education Interns at the University of Education, Winneba, Ghana

ABSTRACT: Mentoring is a key strategy for preparing student interns for careers, yet certain barriers can limit its effectiveness. This study used an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design to examine obstacles to effective mentorship in physical education (PE) internships. The study was a census with questionnaires completed by all 96 PE mentors who supervised students during the 2022/2023 academic year, and 11 of them additionally participated in semi-structured interviews. Findings identified inadequate mentor training as the primary barrier. The study recommends that the institute of Teacher Education at the University of Education, Winneba, provide biennial training for mentors and fair compensation to ensure sustained quality and effectiveness in career preparation for PE student teachers.

Keywords: Challenges, Ghana, mentoring, student interns, internship.