Evaluation of Novice Teacher Training Program

Abstract

Starting from February 2016, the Ministry of Turkish National Education launched a new program for novice teachers under the Directive on Novice Teacher Training Process. It is understood that the aims of this program are to help novice teachers get experiences, on the education system, schools, classes and students at which they will work. Then, a need emerges to evaluate the effectiveness of this program by exploring the experiences of those who participated in the program. Feedbacks from the participants would help policy makers make the program more functional. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the Novice Teacher Training Program according to the opinions of novice teachers. Using the maximum variety sampling, participants were novice teachers, from fifteen different subject areas, who participated in Novive Teacher Training Program in Mugla in Turkey. Data were collected through a semi-structured interview form developed by the researcher and analyzed using inductive content analysis. Results showed that classroom observations, in-school and out-of-school practices, recommended films and books were useful for novice teachers to improve occupational adjustment, professional knowledge and skills and to get adapted into school, class and students. However, novice teachers reported some problems including the lack of understanding of the program by the stakeholders, and the implementation and supervision of the program should be solved. Results of this study suggested that novice teachers, mentor teachers and principals should get informed about the program.