DESIGNING A NEEDS-BASED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR GERMAN LANGUAGE TEACHERS: EVIDENCE FROM GREECE

Authors

  • Anagnou Evaggelos Tutor, Hellenic Open University, Greece
  • Iosif Fragkoulis Professor, School of Pedagogical and Technological Education (ASPETE), Hellenic Open University, Greece
  • Maria-Anna Manana High School Headmistress, German language teacher, Med in Educational Studies, Hellenic Open University, Greece

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejes.v12i10.6195

Keywords:

teacher professional development, German language education, educational needs

Abstract

This study explores the design of a professional development program tailored to the specific needs of German language teachers in Greece. Utilizing a qualitative case study approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with eleven in-service teachers to identify thematic priorities, preferred training models, and organizational parameters for effective professional development. The findings reveal a strong demand for training in artificial intelligence, digital tools, classroom management, differentiated instruction, and subject-specific pedagogy. Teachers express preferences for medium-duration, blended training formats and emphasize the importance of linking theory with practice. They also advocate for the involvement of universities and collaborative institutional models in program delivery. The study concludes by proposing a flexible, evidence-based framework for teacher development, grounded in international best practices and co-designed by educational stakeholders.

 

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Author Biographies

  • Anagnou Evaggelos, Tutor, Hellenic Open University, Greece

    Anagnou Evaggelos is tutor in the Hellenic Open University, teaching adult education. He holds a Master’s Diploma and a PhD in Education Policy and Adult Education. He has worked in General Secretariat for Adult Εducation in Greece and is member of the body for the accreditation of trainers in adult education in Greece (National Accreditation Center for Continuing Vocational Training). He has published articles in Greek and international refereed scientific journals, chapters and books on adult education and taken part in several research projects on adult education and teachers’ training. He has many years of experience as researcher, trainers’ trainer, designer and evaluator of projects in the fields of adult education and teachers’ training.

  • Iosif Fragkoulis, Professor, School of Pedagogical and Technological Education (ASPETE), Hellenic Open University, Greece

    Fragkoulis Iosif is Professor in the School of Pedagogical and Technological Education. His professional field is Adult Education as a trainer, scientific coordinator, designer and assessor of programs of initial and continuing vocational training in public and private institutions of vocational training. He has been teaching “teaching methodology-practical activities” as a Lecturer (under the Law 407/80), in the Department of Primary Education in the University of Patras since 2002, as well as “Environmental Education” in the Primary Teachers’ in-service training college. Since 1999, he has been teaching in the School of Pedagogical and Technological Education the following subjects: Counseling, practical activities for teaching, methodology of educational research, and teaching methodology. Since 2003, he has been a professor-advisor at the Hellenic Open University, where he teaches the subject “Adult Education”. His professional and research interests are Lifelong Education and Training of Executives of Public Corporations and Organizations. He is certified educator of the National Accreditation Center, National Centre for Public Administration and Deconcentration, and the Lifelong Learning Institute of Public Employees. He has published scientific articles and papers in Greek and international refereed journals in relation to environmental education, adult education, active learning techniques in vocational education and training.

  • Maria-Anna Manana, High School Headmistress, German language teacher, Med in Educational Studies, Hellenic Open University, Greece

    Manana Maria Anna is a graduate of the Department of German Language and Literature of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and holds a Master's degree in Teaching German as a Foreign Language from the Hellenic Open University. She began her career in private education, where she worked from 2000–2007, and has been working in public secondary education since 2008. From 2018 to 2024, she served as deputy principal, while since 2024 she has been principal of the 3rd Gymnasium of Lamia. She has many years of teaching experience in teaching German, as well as significant administrative experience in the management of school units. She has attended numerous training seminars and programs on educational administration, differentiated teaching, the use of ICT in education and classroom management. He speaks excellent German and English and applies innovative teaching approaches, promoting a modern, participatory school environment.

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Published

2025-08-11

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 10 (2025)

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