The future of teacher training: What can we expect?
With the global pandemic turning the world of education on its head. What does this mean for the future of the teacher training industry, and what can we predict will change for good?
Our Head of Teacher Development and Education, Silvana Richardson, recently took part in a panel for English UK’s StudyWorld to discuss what the future of teacher training looks like and how we can best prepare for these changes.
What makes a good teacher development course?
First and foremost, Silvana explains that it is essential that teachers are looking for development courses that link what they learn directly to their own practice and support teachers through this process.
This year we have seen an increase in shorter online teacher development courses for teachers to access around their existing schedules. But with so many to choose from, how can you select the right one for you? Silvana stresses that teachers should be looking at the best quality courses in order to see benefits, and there is no reason to think that an online or blended course is less good quality than face-to-face courses. She explains:
“What matters really is this idea that the courses link theory with practice, challenge the participants’ perspectives, give them an insight into what is ‘evidence-informed teaching’ and sustain their attempts to implement what they have learnt in the professional development courses when they go back to teaching.”
Our online and face-to-face teacher development courses apply this model by offering up-to-date and evidence-informed content with active tasks for participants to process in their own time and at their own pace. There is also an implementation task which ensures that participants apply what they are learning to their own working context. Participants are encouraged throughout the course to interact and learn with (and from) each other.
A surge in teacher training
The past year has seen a noticeable increase in demand for accredited teacher training courses such as the CELTA and Delta, with existing teachers wanting to upskill with a reputable qualification, and brand-new teachers retraining for the ELT industry. The availability of online Delta and CELTA courses available (watch this space!) is making it is easier than ever to train teachers around the world, without needing to travel. Plus the candidates get to train in a context that is relevant and familiar to them.
Working together moving forwards
The panel ended with a discussion on the PRELIM project, which we have since received outstanding feedback for, and are incredibly proud to have been a part of:
“This course was a turning point for me. I would have liked to dedicate myself more, but it was an unforgettable experience. I graduated in 2011 and since then I have not taught English. 2 years ago, I went back to work with English and felt ashamed because I am outdated and unable to speak small words with confidence. This course gave me more confidence and a desire to learn more than at 4 years of college. I loved the course and I thank you all for this opportunity.”
The PRELIM project is a great example of the ELT industry working together to solve wider issues in global education, and a strategy the UK government continue to build on in the future – an opportunity we look forward to being part of.
