EXPLORING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF IN-SERVICE TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR ENHANCING TEACHING SKILLS OF ESL TEACHERS AT HIGHER EDUCATION LEVEL: TEACHERS' PERCEPTIONS AND EXPERIENCES

Abstract

This research examines the impact of in-service training programs on the teaching practices of ESL instructors at the higher education level. Employing a qualitative data analysis approach, data from surveys and insights from in-person interviews were combined to generate the study's findings. A random sample of forty ESL teachers from various regions of Punjab, Pakistan, was selected, with ten teachers from Lahore participating in interviews following the completion of online surveys. Thematic Analysis was performed on the data, offering a comprehensive understanding of the teachers' overall perceptions. The findings of this study contribute to the existing knowledge on the effectiveness of in-service training programs for ESL instructors in the higher education context. The qualitative analysis provides an overview of the sample's general perceptions, delves into the intricacies and specific experiences of the instructors. These research findings have implications for ESL education policy and teacher professional development programs. They will inform educational institutions and policymakers about the effectiveness of in-service training programs and highlight areas for improvement.