Abstract:

The role and functioning of schools is changing, as is what is expected of teachers. Teachers are required to teach in increasingly multicultural classrooms; put more emphasis on integrating students with special learning needs into classrooms; make more effective use of information and communication technologies for teaching; become more involved in planning in evaluation and accountability frameworks; and do more to involve parents in schools.

The professional skill of a teacher transcends the technical meaning of teaching resource. The professor' features, based on skills, abilities and attitudes that must be acquired are categorised in several types of skills: facilitator and mediator of professional skills, promoter of teamwork, generator of learning context, constantly trained and active, academic excellence, ability to communicate information and know-how.

This research aims to identify the main areas of continuing education that support effective professional development through a qualitative research design approach.

The focus group discussion was attended by ten beginning teachers from different geographical areas of Romania. Topics recommended improvements in professional development programs in terms of organizing more workshops, conducting micro-teaching sessions for each subject and class, and creating opportunities to improve IT skills.

The analysis of the results allows to draw objective conclusions with impact on the adaptation of teachers to the rapid changes in society.

Keywords:

Professional development, primary school teacher, IT skills.