The Islamic University- Gaza Deanery of Higher Education Faculty of ...

training. Data were collected using an observation checklist, and a final course evaluationquestionnaire. Students in the experimental and control groups were assessed using a groupof standardized pre-post tests. Analysis of data showed that teachers in the experimentalgroup successfully changed their teaching behaviours and used the new instructionalbehaviour in an effective way compared to teachers in the control group who received notraining. These positive improvements were translated in improved students' gains in theirreading skill. The researchers argued that when teachers are appropriately trained andcoached, they can change their behaviours in accordance with the new practicesClose to previous positive outcomes, Whitney et al., (2005) reported an evaluated studywhich investigated the effect IIMPac participation upon teachers‟ classroom practices andtheir students' learning outcomes. IIMPac is an acronym for training programme of fiveelements; Inquiry, In-service Workshops, Models, Practice and Coaching .The programmeaimed at developing teachers‟ instructional practices in teaching English writing skill. Thesample of the study consisted of 15 language teachers of grades 4-8- with 20/30 studentseach. 8 teachers along with their students participated in the experimental group, while theother 7 with their students were involved as the control group. The study employed a quasiexperimental design; three forms of qualitative data were used to measure the differences inteachers' classroom practices in teaching writing. Other tools used involved interviews,classroom observation, and collection of classroom artifacts documentations. Students'outcomes were measured using pre-post writing test and an attitude survey. The studyreported positive changes in teachers‟ practices when teaching writing skill. Furthermore,these positive changes have resulted into noticeable improvements in students' performanceand attitudes towards writing tasks. Thus, INSET programmes with specific context focus canbe fruitful at teachers and students level.- 76 -