Developing the Competency of Teachers

Early Identification and Analysis of Competency

One of the main reasons for the non effectiveness of some development programs for teachers is the lack of a needs assessment. We often hear from participants that improvement programs only consist of theory, are too general, or they cannot be applied to the working situation.

Plan for Training Modules

Training modules need to be:

• Holistic : covering all aspects that are required by teachers in carrying out their tasks; that is :
  
  

  	This dimension is related to the mastery of the content of learning (cognitive), that is the subject material; the latest educational theories; human development theories and the social and cultural impact of the learning (contextual);
  	This dimension relates to competency of pedagogy, including the mastery of: various methods of teaching; classroom management; learning evaluation; student development and so on;
  	This dimension refers to the personal and behavioural aspects of a teacher including; interpersonal skills, personal motivation, communication, conflict management, team work, intra personal skills, discipline, commitment and the desire for improvement, and so on;
  	This dimension refers to self perception and awareness including; the paradigm and essence of being a teacher.

  
  
• Continuous : Modules must be systematically designed to enable the participants to absorb the material effectively.
  
  
• Applicable : although the training programs have the objective of widening the perspective of the participants, it is still necessary that the content of the module is designed to answer the needs of the participants. The key question that needs to be answered is: “Does the training material really assist the participants in solving their concerns?”
  

Follow Up

Any effective training program will include a intensive follow up. Although sometimes this cannot be achieved nevertheless efforts must be made to guarantee the success of the training.

Evaluation and Measurement of Training Effectiveness

Periodic evaluation of training must be carried out not only at the end of the program but long after too.