Enhancing novice teacher's knowledge base

Abstract

Teacher education plays a crucial role in preparing educators by acquiring them a theoretical knowledge base in teaching. However, novice teachers are often confronted with classroom realities which render their pre-acquired principles inadequate for effective teaching, which makes continuous in-service training indispensable. This study aims at exploring the necessity of continuous in-service training and the role it takes in improving novice teachers' knowledge base and practical skills. This study adopted a mixed-methods approach. A questionnaire has been administered to 25 foreign language middle school novice teachers and an interview has been conducted with 6 teacher trainers. The findings suggest that in-service significantly enhances novice teachers' didactical and pedagogical knowledge and skills. The research at hand offers valuable insights on in-service training programmes that if put into practice can optimize the effectiveness of the teacher-training programmes.