EFL TEACHERS’ CONCERNS TO BRING THE CONSULTATIVE FORUM BACK TO ITS STRATEGIC ROLE

Abstract

Attitude constitutes an important factor underlying an individual behavior. This paper discusses results of a study on EFL teachers’ attitude towards their area consultative forum. An area consultative forum is one where member teachers of the same school subject in the area gather to learn and practice together, and share as well as work with one another. Therefore, if utilized properly, the forum will be able to empower the teachers joining it. The survey study involved twenty EFL urban primary school teachers in the town of Purwokerto, Central Java, Indonesia. Participants were chosen using convenience sampling. Data were collected through questionnaires and interviews. Data were analysed by using descriptive statistics and inductive procedure. Overall, results of this study have shown that the EFL teachers under investigation had positive attitude towards their consultative forum. However, many of them did not seem to participate enough in the activities. Basically, they were sad about, among others, unplanned programs, very low quantity of events, and poor quality of activities. When these and other contraints within the forum are solved, then it is supposed to contribute to the member teachers’ professional development.