Abstract: | Improving the quality of education should undoubtedly be a focus of attention. Continuing
professional development such as in-service training is one of the most pressing of all the
factors that affect quality of education. This x- rays that courses taken in higher
institutions influence learners very little and any effect may be ''washed out'' in the first
year of teaching (Zeichner and Tabachnik, 1981 cited by Higgins and Leat, 2001). In view
of the above points, this study has been designed to explore issues in relation to Higher
Diploma Programme (HDP). The study was conducted at St. Mary's University College
and twenty-five Higher Diploma Programme candidates, two tutors and one HDP leader
took part in the study. Questionnaires and interviews were used to obtain the data. The
results of the study showed that the HDP, although relevant, has had some drawbacks.
Recommendations are made based on these findings. |