Effective English Language Teaching in Europe

Comenius/Grundtvig course code:
UK-2007-480-4
Effective English Language Teaching

Course dates 2009

25 January - 2 February
29 March - 6 April
12 July -  20 July
13 September - 21 September 

Course dates 2010

24 January - 1 February
11 July -  19 July
11 September - 19 September
3 October - October 11 

Course information

This is a course for English language teachers in secondary and adult education in Europe. Participants will have the opportunity to:

• enhance their own language skills
• discuss current trends and issues in language methodology
• provide teachers with some new practical teaching ideas
• gain an insight into Welsh language and culture
• facilitate the sharing of best practice and an international exchange of ideas and materials between participating teachers

In addition to training sessions with our highly qualified teacher trainer, participants take part in a Welsh cultural programme that includes a trip to Snowdonia and an introduction to the Welsh language and history. Participants are accommodated in comfortable ‘bed and breakfast’ establishments near the training centre, and have dinner together each evening in a local restaurant. The course cost is €1300 and this includes all costs except flights, transfers from the airport and lunches. Teachers can apply for funding  to the EU Lifelong Learning programme for funding.

Methodology

Participants will be in multi-lingual groups where all the interaction will be in English. Many sessions will be workshop-based, involving problem-solving and discussion. Participants will experience various language-learning techniques that can be transferred to their own classroom. There will be an on-going evaluation.

Course programme day by day

Sunday evening
ARRIVAL IN LLANGOLLEN

Monday
09.00-10.45  WELCOME, REGISTRATION AND INTRODUCTIONS. Group bonding activities and course objectives. Creating and maintaining a healthy learning environment.
11.15-13.00  Approaches to teaching vocabulary. Exploiting the relationships between words.
14.00-16.00  Creative approaches to teaching pronunciation - some practical activities.

Tuesday
09.00-10.45  Putting glamour into grammar. What is grammar and how can we teach it in a learner-friendly manner?
11.15-13.00  Grammar activities including the lexis of grammar.
14.00-16.00  Developing reading skills. 'Text tricks' - ways of motivating learners to read.
16.00-17.00  An Introduction to Welsh History Language and Culture
INTERNATIONAL FOOD EVENING.  Teachers will be invited to bring a typical food item from their region for the other participants to taste!

Wednesday
09.00-10.45  Teaching speaking skills.
11.15-13.00  Exploiting the text book creatively and effectively.
14.00-16.00  Using video material to develop listening skills and to focus on grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation.
16.00-17.00   An Introduction to Welsh History.

Thursday
09.00-10.45  Varieties of English including a quiz.
11.15-13.00  Teaching language and culture.
14.00-16.00  Using drama techniques in language learning.
16.00-17.00  An Introduction to WelshLanguage and Culture 
Evening       LIVE JAZZ AT THE PUB

Friday
09.00-10.45 ‘An error is a gift to the class'.
11.15-13.00 Teaching writing skills - some alternative approaches.
14.00-16.00  Feedback session with tutor. Course evaluation and certificate.

Saturday  
09.30-16.00  DAY TRIP TO CHESTER, city tour and shopping.

Sunday      
09.30-18.00  DAY TRIP TO SNOWDONIA, visit to Conwy Castle and guided walk at Cwm Idwal.

Monday
DEPARTURE

To download a full course description and registration form please go to How to apply.
For further information contact: vanessa.baldry@denbighshire.gov.uk