Teacher Training

PRACTICAL AND STIMULATING COURSES FOR TEACHERS OF ENGLISH

City School of Languages is developing teachers courses which draw on the expertise and experience of qualified teacher trainers who are recognised experts in their field.

Teacher Refresher Course

English Language, Methodology and British Culture

Objectives

The course is tailored for secondary and adult teachers or teacher trainers delivering ELT programmes. We aim to develop participants' English language skills, provide them with a refreshing and practical look at current language teaching ideas, and explore modern British life and culture. Teachers will learn a wide range of practical teaching techniques to enable them make their classes more effective and enjoyable. In particular, teachers will be able to:
• practise Web 2.0 multimedia tools in ELT
• update their students on British culture and lifestyle
• integrate authentic resources and new technologies into their teaching.
As course providers we will make every effort to make sure that participants come from at least three countries. The minimum language level of the participants will be at B2 on the Common European Framework.

Methodology

Input will be provided in a variety of ways (including seminars and practical workshops, trainer summaries and field trips) that take into account the course participants' different cultural backgrounds, learning preferences and styles. Participants will be encouraged to share their own ideas and experiences, and develop networks with participants from other countries.

There will be opportunities throughout the course to exploit the UK context by collecting relevant authentic materials, making contact with native speakers, and taking part in the school's social and cultural programme. Participants will have the opportunity to observe classes with our adult learners in a variety of possible areas.

Preparation

A preparation pack is sent to participants on enrolment containing: acceptance letter; confirmation of booking; course syllabus; suggested reading list; extra-curricular options; invoice; pre-arrival information containing description of the school, map and living in Swansea. Before the start of the course, participants will be asked to complete a pre-course questionnaire and task, which will enable the trainers to focus more specifically on the exact needs of the participants. The trainers will review the pre-course task during the course.

Follow-up

Participants will be asked to complete a Portfolio during their stay to reflect on the new ideas they have experienced, and on how they will incorporate them into their teaching and workplace. On the final day, participants will present their own action plans and discuss these within their group.

 PROGRAMME OF THE TRAINING ACTIVITIES

Length of Programme: Two weeks
Number of sessions per day: three 90 minute sessions

Week 1

Monday
1. Welcome to school, briefing, orientation & introduction to course.
2. Teaching experience and beliefs.
3. Relevance of World English to the language classroom.
A welcome party.
Tuesday
1. Language development - advanced language practice.
2. Learner styles and learner training.
3. Social media in ELT.
Wednesday
1. Language development - advanced language practice.
2. Authentic language resources for the EFL classroom.
3. Illustrated lecture on Welsh history Part 1.
Thursday
1. Language development.
2. Social interaction English lessons Part 1
3. Illustrated lecture on Welsh history Part 2 & tour of National Waterfront museum in Swansea.
Friday
1. Language development.
2. Social interaction English lessons Part 2.
3. Mid-course review and reflection.
Saturday
Educational visit to St Fagans National History Museum (Open-Air Museum of Welsh Life & St Fagans Castle).
Sunday
Free for individual research or optional visit to Rhossili.

Week 2

Monday
1. Language development.
2. Social interaction English lessons using VOiP.
3. Exploring Web 2.0 multimedia for ELT.
Tuesday
1. Language development.
2. Teaching exam preparation classes - IELTS strategies.
3. IELTS practice session - from the learner's point of view.
Wednesday
1. Language development.
2. Free interactive internet resources for the EFL classroom.
3. Revision of course portfolio - tasks for presentations.
Thursday
1. Language development - classroom input.
2. Theory into practice - practical language task in the city.
3. Feedback on the in-town language experience and cultural implications.
Farewell party
Friday
1. Workshop:The application and adaptation of the course experience to enhance teaching practices.
2. Presentation of individual projects.
3. Closing session - tutor and peer feedback,sharing good practice,certificate awards.
Departure

TYPE OF CERTIFICATION OF ATTENDANCE AWARDED
Certificate of attendance including description of training content and time input. CEFR if requested

KEY INFORMATION