The Perceptions of Anatolian High School Science and Mathematics Teachers on the Effectiveness of the In-Service Training Program for Improving Their General English Levels

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness of the inservice training (INSET) program organized for improving the general English levels of Anatolian High School science and mathematics teachers. During the study, Orlich's AAIM (Awareness, Application, Implementation, Maintenance) Model (1979) and Caldwell’s Model (1989) were used. The subjects were high school science and mathematics teachers at various levels. During the study qualitative data was collected by means of interviews held, when the participants were back at their schools, in order to study their views and perceptions in relation to the various levels of the program. For the interviews the teachers were selected according to certain characteristics (i.e. age, branch, years of experience in teaching, schools in which they have been teaching) in order to have a representative group. The analysis of the interviews revealed that the participants shared the same ideas about the program. The results of the interviews revealed that, during the various levels of the program, various institutional attempts had been made to satisfy the participants’ needs and expectations through utilizing various techniques, methods, activities and supplying various resources. However, when the participants were back at their schools, it was reported they could not implement and maintain their new learning in school and daily classroom activities. Finally, the effectiveness and success of any INSET program depends on the implementation and maintenance in the teachers’ normal professional lives of what has been developed during the program. That is, the implementation and maintenance levels of the programs should be examined completely to ensure the effectiveness and success of the INSET programs.