Hornby Scholars, IATEFL 2010 “ ELT in Transition: Teachers ’ voices from around the world ”
‘ELT in Transition: Teachers’ voices from around the world’ Group 1: ‘Teacher Empowerment’ Group 2: ‘Teacher Resources’
Group 1: Teacher Empowerment Perspectives from: Argentina Bangladesh Brazil Cameroon India Malawi Mexico Nigeria
Teacher Empowerment
Who is an Empowered Teacher? Motivated Agent of change Knowledgeable Confident Professional Constantly improving
Barriers to Empowerment (a) 1.Lack of motivation Drawn to profession by non-vocational reasons: - source of employment - external pressure - prestige of English 2.Low self-esteem and frustration
‘Teaching is a last resort for those who can't be doctors, engineers, magistrates, pilots and what have you...’ (Teacher in Cameroon) (Teacher trainee in Argentina)
Barriers to Empowerment (b) 3. Excessive demand vs. inadequate supply ‘Only 3375 out of teachers in Malawi have formal qualifications’ (Source: Ministry of Education Science & Technology - Malawi ) ‘Anyone can teach English!’
Barriers to Empowerment (c) 4. The theory vs. practice dichotomy Theory vs Classroom reality
Barriers to Empowerment (d) 5. Limited Professional Development opportunities + Poor and unfair working conditions + No support with New Technologies = Fossilization
Professional Teachers’ Associations - Setting and Assessment of Professional Benchmarks -Avenues for Continuous Professional Development -Producers of Teaching Materials -Creators of Enriching Networks -Effective Peer Review Mechanism TAs
Teachers’ Associations
MY Braztesol timeline ‘A friendly environment encouraging you to overcome your insecurity’ BENEFITS. Attending lectures with widely known ELT professionals. Exchanging valuable information with other teachers. Article ( Braztesol magazine). Scholarships ( U.S.A. & UK) SHARING PARTICIPANT
MY ‘Camelta’ story Inspiration from Camelta Seminars Role models My contribution to Camelta Setting up divisional branches In charge of workshops
The Empowered Teacher... Is effective and efficient Grows in the profession Makes positive impact on society Provides quality service
‘ELT in Transition: Teacher Empowerment’ Thank you for listening