A Qualitative Evaluation: Overseas Practicum-focused INSET Program Efficacy and Accountability

Abstract

The current study attempts to measure a government subsidized overseas practicum-focused INSET program efficacy and accountability. For program efficacy and accountability, trainee perception, reception, and sense of achievement were used as major criteria. In addition, unstructured interviews with stakeholders, document review, and trainee reports, as well as mentor reports were used to formulate a balanced perspective in the evaluation. Reflections of the trainees involved in the INSET program in Canada, reveal that the trainees achieved their objectives to a certain degree. According to the pre- and post-training “strength” analysis of 81 trainees, a number of items on the trainees’ “wish list” at the beginning visibly emerged as proud “strength” at the end of the program. Several recommendations are made to maximize trainee opportunities and provide a more fulfilling experience to all the stakeholders involved. It was revealed that the one-month program’s management system and curriculum content need to be revised to reflect the socio-cultural challenges that Korean trainees face. In addition, the current practicum placement system should be improved to give trainees more diverse exposure. The mentor system should be supplemented with a mentor orientation session and/or an incentive system.