RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TEACHERS’ IN-SERVICE TRAINING AND TEACHING PROFESSIONALISM: SUITABILITY ASPECTS

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the suitability of the important aspects of teachers’ in-service training including planning, content, presenters, days and duration and the location. In addition, the study also evaluates the relationship between the development of professionalism in teaching with suitable aspects of in-service training. Quantitative method was used in the form of questionnaire to collect the data. This study was conducted in 6 secondary schools in the district of Petaling Utama in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A total of 174 teachers were selected purposively as respondents. The data were analyzed quantitatively using the SPSS version 21 software. Descriptive statistics were used (mean, frequency and percentage), as well as inferential statistics (Pearson Correlation test). The study indicated a significant correlation between the aspects of planning, content and course presenter with higher levels of professionalism in teaching. The findings suggest that school management should align in-service training with actual teacher needs. The Ministry of Education is also expected to manipulate the aspects of planning, content and course presenters within the in-service training to promote teacher professionalism. It is hoped that this study may be used as guidance in developing suitable in-service training to enhance teacher quality.