philippa coleman jasmin christie & sandra contreras institute of continuing & tesol...
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Philippa ColemanJasmin Christie & Sandra Contreras
Institute of Continuing & TESOL EducationThe University of Queensland (ICTE-UQ)
Added Value in Professional Development Training for English Language Teachers:
A Case Study from Northern Chile
Title
Teachers from Region II
SponsorsFundación Minera Escondida
• Phase 1 - English and Methodology for Teaching Purposes program (EMTP)
• Phase 2 - follow up support for teachers
• Phase 3 – on-going impact of Phase 1 & 2
Project Phases
Phase 1 - ‘Immersion Experience’•10 January– 3 February 2006
•Brisbane
Brisbane
Course Components• English language development• English language teaching methodology• Classroom observation, peer teaching• Assimilation of Australian lifestyle & culture through
homestay experience• Tourist & cultural activities
• 2 October – 7 October 2006• School visits in Calama, Tocopilla, Antofagasta, Taltal,
San Pedro de Atacama• Class observations and feedback with teachers• Meeting principals, sostenedores, mayors, teaching staff
and students• Tour of school facilities
Phase 2 – ‘Apoyo en situ’
Using visual stimuli
Integrating technology
Involving students
Interactive activities
Motivating students
A variety of activities
Adapting materials
“When I try to use English in class, I feel my students are also willing to speak
English.”Korean Teacher
1. Are there any differences in your thinking and attitudes towards English language teaching now?
2. Is there anything you do in your classes now that you didn’t do before?
3. Is there anything you do more of (or less of) now? 4. Do you notice any changes in your students’ behaviors
attitudes and learning in English classes?
Questionnaire
• Teacher language• Teacher attitudes• Teacher methods – planning and delivery• Teacher methods – oral communication• Student attitude and student language
Data categories
• Heightened awareness of student needs and goals →
impact on lesson planning & materials selection/adaptation
• Greater focus on oral communication
• Positive reaction from students
Key features
“I must develop to choose what is right and helpful to my students and the importance to know them and their needs to help them meet
their goals (and mine too)…” Teacher 3
“…giving importance to their previous knowledge and their personal skills…”
Teacher 3
“They are speaking more. Why? Maybe because they feel more confident and I am
giving them more chances to speak.”Teacher 4
What can we learn from Region II teachers?
• Teachers’ increased use of English encourages students to use English
• Students keen to participate when teachers provide interesting, meaningful opportunities for using English
• A lenient approach to learner error encourages students to use English
Key outcomes
• Personalising lessons enhances student interest
• Teachers are meeting student needs by adapting textbooks and selecting appropriate interesting materials
• Growing student awareness of importance of English
Key outcomes
“I avoid using Spanish [in my lessons] as much as possible. I do my classes in English
most of the time. At the beginning my students complained, but now they don’t. They’ve
become accustomed.”
Sandra Contreras