A study on completion and improvement of in-service teacher training system

Teachers are the starting point and the main element of any change in education system. To better do their job, it is necessary for them to update their knowledge and skills. This could be possible through designing and implementing in-service teacher training systems. Due to the importance of education system in the development of Iran, the issue of manpower training in education, especially teachers is of more importance and sensitivity. So, the investigation of in-service teacher training system and presenting ways for it’s improvement and completion is necessary. The aim of this research was identification of the weak and strong points of the existing teacher training system and presenting ways for it’s completion and improvement. To do this, in-service teacher training system was investigated based on 5 points: the degree of effectiveness of the implemented in-service courses, inadequacies, the degree of use of new methods and patterns, methods and solutions for improvement and completion of teacher training systems and their good characteristics. This research was done in 15 educational districts of Tehran. The research method was descriptive and the Cusky model of teacher professional skills’ evaluation was used for evaluation of the implemented in-service courses. The results showed that four factors are more effective for improving and completion of in-service education syetem: needs analysis and designing the course in proportionate with the teachers’ professional need, implementing in-service courses with group and project work, participation of teachers and principals before and during the courses, providing suitable opportunities for course participants to implement the acquired instruction and skills.