Abstract:

Quality education is the basis for the development of the human potential of each nation. Through education, and in addition to the knowledge in his field of profession, the person acquires competencies and skills important for active participation in the development of the economy and society in which knowledge is the main asset. Science and technology are the key points to the development of the economy and the physics-based industry generates a third of the revenue in the European Union. Today's manpower needs to have skills to solve complex problems; critical thinking and creativity supported by ICT and schools are the only place for many young people where such skills can be learned. Students must be able not only to adapt constantly, but to learn, develop and establish their position in a rapidly changing world. Learning physics, focused on learning concepts and understanding them and their interrelationships, as well as the development of generic skills and values that can be transmitted to other areas of research, work and life are highlighted as the 21st century working skills. Such teaching of physics requires of teachers a high level of expertise and knowledge which are continually improved and which move the boundaries from knowing how to creating. Teacher’s competences are an important aspect that affects the quality of teaching physics and imply a broader view of teacher’s professionalism, taking into account multiple roles at different levels: individual, school, community and professional associations. Competences are conditioned by certain factors such as: creativity of teachers, attitudes, motivation, job satisfaction, working conditions and so on. The aim of the paper is to identify the most important factors that influence the competences of physics teachers and to determine their needs for professional development through lifelong learning programs implemented by the Education and Teacher Training Agency in the Republic of Croatia.

Keywords:

Competences, physics teacher, employability skill, professional development, teaching.