Training Outstanding Students at The Academic College at Wingate: The Students` Perspective

Background: The Israeli education system has been undergoing continuous reforms aimed at improving the quality of learning and the achievements of learners. In the past two decades, reports and surveys show a steady decline in the level of knowledge and success that pupils demonstrated on various tests. In order to meet the need for quality manpower to push the faltering wagon up the hill, the Ministry of Education launched in 1999 a new program called REGEV – `a great leader in teaching`. The main goal of the program was to encourage outstanding students to become teachers and serve as educational and managerial leaders (Libman, 2014.) The program gradually entered all colleges of education in Israel, and in 2013 opened its first class at the Academic College at Wingate, which trains physical education teachers.

Aims: The present study is aimed at examining the graduates` satisfaction with their studies at this unique framework of the REGEV program, their integration into teaching in the formal education system, and their attitudes towards further academic studies and professional development.

Method: Participants include 36 students who graduated from the REGEV program between 2015 and 2017, and 64 of their colleagues who graduated from the standard program at the same period. A questionnaire was developed using both a Likert scale and open-ended items, and validated by three experts in the field. The questionnaire was administrated to a group of 14 students who are currently having their second year in the REGEV program. Each participant was personally interviewed by phone. As part of this presentation, only the results of the interview phase and its conclusions will be reported.

Results: The findings show a high level of satisfaction among the students regarding their experiences. The respondents mainly evaluated the unique curriculum, the learning in a small, high-quality group, and the personal guidance and care of the academic and administrative staff. Still, few respondents expressed disappointment with the specific training in sports. However, and most surprising, the economic benefits granted to the students were not placed with high importance when considering the main contribution of the program. Most of the participants declared that they intend to work in the public education system when graduating.

Discussion and Conclusions: The REGEV program at the Academic College at Wingate is well in line with the vision of its original developers. From the students` perspective, the program is successful in attracting highly talented candidates, providing them with influential training, and contributing to their personal and professional development.