REFRESHER COURSE FOR TEACHERS (Particulars)

Mr L. P. Rodrigo asked the Minister for Home Affairs and Education when the last refresher course for teachers was held; how many teachers completed that course; how many teachers of five years and more of teaching experience have not attended any refresher course todate; and how does such a course attempt to orientate teachers to the social and economic priorities of the State.

Mr Chai Chong Yii (for the Minister for Home Affairs and Education): Sir, refresher courses, also known as in-service courses, are conducted throughout the year. Over the last two years, 4,105 teachers attended various in-service courses, averaging 50 hours each in duration. This represents approximately 35%, or 17 1/2% per year, of the teachers with five years or more teaching experience. Though no records of the correlation between a teacher's years of service and his attendance at in-service courses were kept before 1974, the present trend indicates that there is a six-year cycle in which every teacher will be given an opportunity for in-service training. The last in-service course attended by 38 participants ended on 7th November 1975. Currently, four courses involving about 480 participants are in progress. All these courses help equip teachers to perform better at their jobs.