Pedagogues’ attitude to the use of teaching/learning methods in requalification studies

Abstract

In order to keep pedagogues up-to-date with the challenges imposed to the knowledge-based society it is necessary to ensure consistent, high quality and continuous professional development process. One of the possible qualification development areas is requalification studies. Pedagogues’ motivation to participate in this activity is related to the necessity to acquire professional qualification, and willingness to learn and grow. The content of this qualification form and forms of its submission are especially important in training professionals according to the current requirements for teachers. Of course, there are no perfect teaching and learning methods indicating what should be done in specific cases, since every teaching situation has its own particular nature; and pedagogues/andragogues are responsible for the selection and implementation of the content and form of teaching. The article is aimed to evaluate the opinion of pedagogues on teaching/learning methods used in requalification studies and on their effectiveness. In order to realise the defined goals, empirical research was carried out with a total amount of 452 pedagogues (81 percent of general population) who’ve been attending requalification studies in 2012-2013 in the Lithuanian University of Educational Studies, and in Klaipëda and Šiauliai universities. The research revealed that educational methods like lecture and explanation most often used in requalification studies do not ensure active engagement of the adult learners and only partially meet their needs, yet these two methods are best known and understood by the pedagogues. In order to increase engagement of the learners, it is suggested to relate theoretical knowledge to personal experience during the process of requalification studies, including organisation of discussions and application of cooperative learning methods. According to the findings, during the education studies pedagogues frequently apply the same methods which have been used during requalification studies. The methods are used in order to simplify the teaching and learning process, and develop students’ thinking skills etc.