EVALUATION OF IN-SERVICE FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM IN IRAN

Evidently, a program cannot be improved without evaluation, emphasizing its strengths, and removing the weak points. Therefore, this study aimed at evaluating the current in-service Foreign Language Teacher Education (FLTE) program in Iran to help its improvement. This study was conducted in Isfahan, Iran. The data were collected using a questionnaire. The participants were 56 English teachers. To analyze the data, the frequency distributions of responses accompanied by percentages were calculated. Analyzing the results indicated that the status of the current in-service Foreign Language Teacher Education program is not satisfying with regard to improving English teachersʹ language proficiency level, teaching skills, management skills, and evaluation skills. It was also revealed that the program suffers a relative inadequacy with respect to increasing teachers’ motivation and the administration of the courses. The program was also found to have some merits like preparing teachers for using foreign language teaching materials, presenting certificates which have positive effect on teachers’ evaluation and providing an opportunity for them to exchange their ideas with other colleagues.