Collective Work of Novice Teachers in Changing Teaching Practices

摘要

The aim of this study was to investigate the problems faced by the novice teachers and the effect of novice teachers’ collective work on their teaching practices. A total of 10 novice teachers from six secondary schools was selected from three states in Malaysia. Generally novice teachers faced various problems in their teaching practices as well as their involvement in collective work. Consequently to what extent the actual need gained by the novice teachers from collective work was a crucial aspect. Since majority of novice teachers were lacking of social skills, this study aimed to explore how they collaborated effectively with other teachers under school context. A set of structured interview questions was used as an instrument. The findings revealed that novice teachers involved in a wide range of collective work such as curriculum, extra-curricular, school events, courses and inter- school activities, specifically in their subject area. Results also indicated that most of the novice teachers were comfortable to participate in collective work either voluntary or compulsory. Classroom management was an important criteria in determining good teaching practices. Discussions and formal interactions with colleagues were the best collective work that helped to overcome the problems and embraced their teaching practices.