Teachers' Professional Characteristics, School Climate, and Pupils' Academic Achievement in English: Basis for a Training Program

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The main concern of teachers is to inform the learners about how to express the language and to develop in them the ability to use and manipulate the language for a variety of communication competence. In doing so, the development of the needed skills specially for oral communication is achieved. Various factors such as size of the class, classroom setting, arrangement of students, time allotment for teaching the language, the course content, and the evaluation. As English teachers, we have to familiarize ourselves with the main element of English Language teaching, the learning materials that are usually available, the classroom management, and the type of methods and strategies that we must use.

METHODS

This study utilized the descriptive method of research because of its appropriateness to the problem. It permits qualitative description of current status. The process of descriptive research goes beyond tabulation of data, hence, description is usually combined with comparison and contrast involving measurements, classification, interpretation and evaluations.

RESULTS

Majority of English teachers are graduates of Master of Arts in Education. In terms of In-service training attended, greater number of teachers preferred to attend continuous improvement plan for their personal growth. Generally, only three English teachers have been in the service longer than the remaining and younger teachers. Majority of English teachers are within the high proficiency level. In terms of planning, assessing and reporting as teachers were able to keep track of their professional characteristics proficiently. In terms of diversity of learners, teachers proficiently use varied activities to meet expected learning goals of learners. She places the students learning in the center of her practice and have the students' active knowledge construction in focus when planning and conducting a course.

DISCUSSIONS

Teachers should be encouraged to upgrade their profession while teaching. The school heads should consider motivating other teachers who are just contented to be just a college graduate but themselves being English teachers to reach high proficiency level. All English teachers should consider the use of varied activities to meet expected learning goals of learners and place the students learning in the center of her practice and have the students' active knowledge construction in focus when planning and conducting a course. In terms of personal growth and professional development teachers should consider manifestation of values at a higher level to uphold the dignity of teaching, manifest openness to recent developments in education hence, they have to get involve in professional organizations and other agencies that improve teaching practice, make self-assessmentof her teaching competencies, and actively seek feedback from a range of people to improve her teaching performance.