The Demands of Supply: a cost-benefit analysis of term-time in-service training for teachers

Abstract

During the teachers' pay dispute in 1984-86, the loss of teaching time was sufficient to cause a national scandal. Eight years on, almost twice the amount of teacher – pupil contact time is being lost annually due to in-service teacher training being carried out during term-time. This article discusses the results of a recent investigation into the character, quality, extent, and relative costs and benefits of term-time in-service training in a sample of schools. Recommendations are then made to enhance effectiveness and minimise the disruption of teaching and learning caused by teachers' undertaking training and development activities during the normal school day