10th METU ELT CONVENTION, Ankara, Turkey, 22 - 23 May 2009, pp.1-8
The present study examined factors that were assumed to play an important role in training motivation. In order to collect data regarding trainee characteristics surveys were conducted with newly hired teachers before and after an in-service training program run at the Department of Basic English, METU, Turkey. All trainees involved in the study filled out the questionnaires that included questions regarding professional background, personality, pre- and post-attitudes toward training, and motivation to learn and transfer. The statistical analysis of trainee responses revealed that training value, that is, attitudes toward training, and motivation to transfer increased after the training program among all participants regardless of their previous background. Personality factors such as openness, conscientiousness and agreeableness were more prevalent among trainees holding an MA degree whereas factors such as extraversion and emotional stability were observed more among trainees with a MA degree. Based on the findings it was also concluded that trainee personality had no effect on the trainee’s motivation to develop further. The study also underlined the importance of factors such as teaching environment and training programs in motivating trainees to learn and transfer, and suggested some points to consider for future design and delivery of training programs in order to enhance training motivation of all involved