The needs analysis and program development of teacher training for secondary school English teachers in connection with a school of education: The case of Gangwon province

Abstract

This study aims to develop a teacher training program to effectively enhance the instructional expertise of secondary school English teachers in Gangwon province by collaborating with a local school of education. In order to achieve this objective, the researcher proceeded with two Focused Group Interviews (FGI) with a total of three English teachers, consisting of one middle school teacher and two high school teachers. A questionnaire was provided ahead of each interview which was carried out via Zoom. Drawing upon the questionnaire responses and the information gathered from the interviews, the researcher analyzed the training experiences and specific needs of the three teachers. Then a 30-period teacher training program was designed, taking into account the identified needs as well as the current state of teacher training. To finalize the program selection criteria and determine its detailed contents, the second interview was conducted, focusing on the proposed 30-period program. It was determined to separate the training programs between middle and high schools, offering both online and offline sessions during regular semesters and vacations. The teachers’ opinions on effective ways to activate training were also provided. Finally, the limitations and implications arising from this research were presented.