Teachers' expectations of international in-service training

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to identify the learning needs of selected secondary school teachers and explore their expectations with regard to international in-service training. Raising the awareness of teachers about the importance of investing in their own professional development, and the requirements in the field of teaching, require modern, teacher-directed approaches. 36 teachers or 27% of the studied population took part in the survey. The results showed that field-related and innovative topics are expected in in-service training the most, followed by didactical and psychological contents. Furthermore, an interactive learning environment, with examples of good practice, and new methods of work with the possibility of direct transfer to teaching practice was exposed as a good in-service learning experience, while lecturing was perceived as undesirable. Educators are expected to present innovation in pedagogical practice and high-quality study materials, prepare a lot of activities during training, and provide mentoring support during and after the training.