Evaluating teacher’s teaching competences for the detection of training needs

Abstract

INTRODUCTION. This research aims at evaluating the instrumental and interpersonal competences of Madrid’s generalist primary school teachers in order to identify their training needs. METHOD. The methodology used in this study is quantitative, non experimental and with an ex-post-facto design. The instrument used -a questionnaire developed ad-hocanalyzes the perception of students in 5th and 6th grades (N = 253) on Instrumental and Interpersonal Competences of teachers (N = 14). RESULTS. The results of descriptive and differential studies show strengths of teachers in the domain of the matter, in the clarity of their explanations, fairness in corrections and concern for conveying encouragement and spirit of excellence to their students. The teacher has weaknesses mainly in methodological and didactic aspects such as: group and project work and the use of technological resources. Cluster analysis allows for the identification of three different teacher profiles in the sample study. DISCUSSION. The results show the strengths and weaknesses in different aspects of teacher competence allowing to set up lines of action to improve teacher training in Primary.