The Perceptions of Saudi Arabian EFL In-Service Teachers on the Effectiveness of the Khebrat Professional Development Program (PDP)

Abstract

Abstract

Research Objective: Khebrat is a professional development program that is part of the Saudi Vision (2030), the purpose of which is to improve the qualifications of Saudi teachers, principals and administrators, thus raising the quality and competitiveness of the Saudi education system. Acknowledging the importance of exploring the experiences teachers have during in-service training, this study is carried out to investigate the attitudes to, opinions on and perceptions of Saudi EFL teachers on the Kherbrat training program.

Research Methodology: A mixed research methodology was adopted in this study to collect qualitative and quantitative primary data from EFL teachers in Saudi Arabia. Nine Saudi EFL teachers were interviewed, and another 50 people took part in the questionnaire, thereby collecting qualitative and quantitative data, respectively. Thematic analysis of the collected data helped in identifying the various themes regarding the perceptions and attitudes of Saudi EFL teachers towards the Kherbart training program.

Research Findings: Data analysis showed that Saudi EFL teachers have experienced Kherbart training across different western countries. These teachers expressed having joyful, wonderful and satisfying experiences during Kherbart training, resulting in both personal and professional enrichment. These experiences were found to improve the attitudes of Saudi EFL teachers towards English teaching as they were able to gain awareness on some of the successful English teaching practices through observational learning. Also, critical discussion showed the ability of these Kherbart experiences to help Saudi EFL teachers to overcome the obstacles they were facing when transferring the successful teaching practices directly to Saudi EFL classrooms. Conclusion and Recommendations: To conclude, Kherbart training has provided professional and personal enrichment experiences for Saudi EFL teachers. Suggestions like ministerial support, technology adoption, information mentor support and cohabitation among teachers of many schools are suggested in order to design and implement the Kherbart training program in Saudi Arabia.

Key Words: Professional development program (PDP), Khebrat program, training, in-service.