An Integration Of Programme Evaluation And Action Research On A Preliminary Professional Development Training In Vocational School

Abstract

A successful professional development initiative, such as a training session, is one of several
strategies that encourage school staff to gain more knowledge and skills and that enhance
work performance. Evaluation is used to assess training achievement compared to the
programme’s objectives. This study attempts to implement the planning, observation, action,
and reflection process for a professional development training programme and to evaluate
participant satisfaction with the context, input, process, and product of the programme. Data
were collected using in-depth interviews, surveys, and observations. The overall result showed
that participants were highly satisfied with the training programme. However, participants
noted that the training should have included more time for them to practise and apply lessons
learned from the programme to their real work under the guidance of a mentor. All results
demonstrated a possible decision to continue with future training workshops and revealed
recommendations for improving the quality of the programme.