Exploring Professional Development Needs among English Subject Teachers in Public Sector Colleges of Sukkur: Insights from Pakistan

Abstract

This case study explored the professional development needs of College English subject teachers who were teaching intermediate level classes in public colleges of Sukkur, Sindh, Pakistan. The aim of this study is to explore English subject teaching practices, professional development needs of college English subject teachers and opportunities for professional development to them because professional development needs programs play a significant role to transfer teaching and improve learning of the language skills through innovative teaching skills. The qualitative cased study research design was adopted to explore the experiences, practices of English Subject Teachers regarding their professional needs at college level. The data was collected from 10 English subject teachers using purposive sampling technique through semi- structured interviews and was analysed through thematic analysis. The findings revealed that English subject course consisted of English literature in the form of prose, poetry, drama, and novel. The course was not supportive to teach English as second language and difficult to transfer it into the crowded classes. As a result, English subject teachers taught traditionally and used the translation methods. They did not plan their lessons, took lecture-based classes, used blackboard as teaching resources, and the given exercises as teaching materials. In addition, they did not assess and evaluate teaching and learning skills. Even though, the teachers endeavored to teach comprehension, composition, grammar, and vocabulary through the textbooks published by Sindh Textbook Board Hyderabad. Further, results explored that English subject teachers required professional development needs to teach English subject with communicative language teaching approach, plan their lessons effectively, manage large classes, assess their learners, and evaluate for their successful teaching practices, design learning material, and use technology. This study contributes to the body of knowledge related to the contextual factors that shapes English subject teachers professional needs and suggests professional development initiatives in the context of public colleges of Pakistan.