EXPLORING ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT TEACHERS’ ATTITUDES TOWARDS PD AND ITS CHALLENGES AT ONE SAUDI ARABIAN UNIVERSITY
Abstract
This study explores how English language teachers at a Saudi Arabian university viewed
Professional Development (PD). The research study aims to develop an understanding of the
PD these teachers receive and their views regarding their professional development and the
challenges they face to during PD. The study adopted an interpretive approach to understanding
the current situation of six teachers working at the English Language Department (ELD) at one
Saudi Arabian university. The main instrument to collect data was a semi-structured interview
adopted based on the previous studies. The sampling method was a convenient sampling as the
researcher used the colleagues as the participants of the study. The study’s findings reveal that
participating teachers were aware of the significance of PD but were disappointed that the voices
of teachers were not heard. The perceived failure to value their contribution negatively affected
their engagement and motivation. The research reveals many challenges; lack of autonomy,
insufficient time, heavy workloads, unsupportive working environments, and PD activities
that were not considered necessary by the participants. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 24
S(Advancements in psychology and mental health), March-April 2023; 1-14