An assessment of in-service training programmes for educators

M.Ed.An assessment of in-service training (INSET) programmes offered by the Department of Education in the Northern Province of the Republic of South Africa was conducted. The purpose of the study was to assess the effectiveness of the INSET programmes as they were implemented. The assessment was based on a theoretical framework and empirical research. Qualitative research was adopted as a suitable research paradigm to collect authentic data because interviewees' opinions and perceptions formed the basis against which the status of INSET was assessed. Literature about INSET models and INSET provision strategies was reviewed with the purpose of developing criteria of effective INSET. These criteria were built into interview questions that were applied to educators and officials. Empirical data from the interviews was triangulated in order to ensure credibility of the results of this study. Data from educators, INSET coordinators and districts managers were compared to control similarities and differences in the results. Literature control, from similar research studies, was also applied to verify and ensure authenticity of the results of this study. In this study, it was found that the provision of INSET of educators was ineffective. This research indicates that the ineffectiveness of INSET is a product of an interplay of many factors that revolve mainly around the financial and human resources management. This research further shows that the INSET programmes are inconsiderate of the contextual training needs of educators, and there is an uncoordinated INSET services from different providers. Recommendations about improving the delivery of in-service training of educators are made. The recommendations focus on funding, management of partnerships in providing INSET, educator involvement, motivating educators, support and encouragement, educators' needs, INSET staffmg and important factors for INSET scheduling. These recommendations are discussed to show how INSET can be improved if they are implemented