Professional Development Interest Of Malaysian Math And Science Teachers In The English For Teaching Math And Science (ETeMS) Buddy System

Abstract

Professional development activities are needed to enhance teachers’ performance. Likewise, in the Malaysian educational system, teachers are encouraged to go through such activities each year. There is need to study teachers’ views on these activities in order to design more appropriate professional development programs. The present study sought to investigate a group of Malaysian Math and Science teachers’ interest in professional development. For this purpose, a survey study was conducted by administrating a questionnaire to a group of school teachers (n = 300) in the State of Melaka. Analysis of the data revealed that female teachers were more interested in participating in professional development activities. Furthermore, Math teachers reportedly indicated higher interest in these activities than Science teachers. Additionally, as the results showed, less experienced teachers were more eager to take part in professional development programs than those with higher teaching experience. Finally, it was found that providing administrative support encouraged teachers’ participation in professional development activities. The results can shed light on the steps that the administrators need to take in order to improve the quality of the professional development programs of this sort.