%0 Journal Article
%T Integration of Theory and Practice in Greek State In-Service EFL Teacher Education Programmes
%A Zoi Gyftopoulou
%J Research Papers in Language Teaching and Learning
%D 2010
%I Hellenic Open University
%X This paper focuses on the issue of integration of theory and practice in state in-service teacher education courses in Greece. It has been decided to investigate the particular topic mainly because it deals with an uncharted area in the Greek context. In particular, the aim of this chapter is to investigate whether Greek state in-service EFL teacher education programmes manage to integrate theory and practice, and whether the methodology used in such programmes fosters this integration. To this end, a research was carried out in various districts throughout Greece. The research employed mainly a quantitative method of collecting data, namely a mailed structured questionnaire. The research findings indicate that to a large extent INSET seminars in Greece do not succeed in integrating theory and practice as they rely entirely on theory or the fail to adopt the enriched reflection model which has the power to foster this integration. What is more, according to the research findings, the methodology used entails mainly lecturing which does not promote the integration of theory and practice either. The paper concludes by making a number of suggestions with a view to improving the present situation. More specifically, it is argued that theory and practice should be integrated through the enriched reflection model and training techniques should be used that foster this integration. Finally, it is suggested that trainees should be encouraged to be involved in action research and teacher educators should be trained to use the enriched reflection model in their sessions.
%K In-Service Teacher Education
%K Greek State School
%K Teaching English as a foreign language
%K EFL
%U http://rpltl.eap.gr/images/stories/issue_01/01-01-242-gyftopoulou.pdf