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Teacher Training
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This SIG is for anyone involved in the training and professional development of ELT teachers. The Co-ordinator of the Group is Vefa Abdullayeva.
The Group implemented Outreach Teacher Training Project in 4 regions of Azerbaijan, including Neftchala, Lenkaran, Xachmaz and Mingechevir in 2004-2005 and 2007-2008 with the financial support of the Open Society Institute - Assistance Foundation.
AzETA members also share their experiences through open workshops with their peers every Saturday. AzETA members who were awarded with the title of Best Teacher with the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in 2008 - 2010 organised demonstration of their lessons they had given during the contest for the nomination. This is a great assistance to the teachers who apply to participate in the contest.
Group members also visit different regions of Azerbaijan regularly for giving workshops, promoting AzETA.
Major projects the group has implemented so far are described below:
ENGLISH GLOBAL PRODUCTS PROMOTION PROJECT
On 12-15 January 2009 the British Council organized four-day training for teacher trainers from Baku and other regions of Azerbaijan on English Global Products. 20 participants from Baku and regions of Azerbaijan, most of who are AzETA members took part at the trainings.
The training was held on the following topic: Introduction to TKT – Teaching Knowledge Test. This knowledge includes concepts related to language, language use and the background to and practice of language teaching bad learning and is assessed by means of objective format tests, which are simple to administer and to take.
After this stage, with the funding of the British Council AzETA organized training in 24 regions of Azerbaijan in 2008-2010, and about 2,000 teachers and 20,000 students benefited from the Project. In 2011, about 200 teachers and 2,000 students benefited from the Project.
More details on the Projects:
PROMOTION PROJECT 1 - 2009
The training in Goychay was held on 26 June 2009. 20 secondary teachers from different schools of Goychay participated in the training.
Training in Goychay
The training in Khachmaz and Guba was held on 25 and 26 June 2009 respectively. 18 secondary teachers from different schools of Guba participated in the training.
 
Training in Khachmaz and Guba
The training in Ismayilli was held on 25 June 2009. 21 secondary teachers from different schools of Ismayilli participated in the training.
Training in Ismayilli
The training in Tovuz and Ganja was held on 25 and June 2009 respectively. Below is the feedback by the trainers on the training:
Training in Tovuz
We were in Tovuz and Ganja. The sessions started at 9.30 and finished at 17.30 in both regions. There were 16 participants in Tovuz and 10 participants in Ganja. We had sessions on TKT, classroom language and at the end of the sessions we presented the sites for teachers learnenglish.org.uk and teachingenglish.org.uk. After the presentation of these sites the participants were registered. Participants got some useful ideas about TKT and classroom language. Some of the participants were really motivated and eager to share their opinions in the groups. They were more interested in TKT and even started to plan their preparation course to take the TKT test in September. We gave them necessary information and resources how to prepare for the exam. We highly appreciate teachers from Tovuz for their motivation and willingness to improve their teaching.
Training in Zaqatala and Sheki was held on 25 and 26 June 2009
respectively. The trainers share their feedback as below:
The project has become an integral part of teacher training for teachers from Zaqatala and Sheki. We have collected the written feedback from the teachers where most of them write about satisfaction of being participated in the project. We have started with introduction to TKT. Because this course was designed to provide teachers from regions with an introduction to the basic theory associated with a communicative approach to English language teaching.
Most of the teachers were much interested in taking the TKT test. Because they feel a UK accredited test will improve their prospects of development in teaching. Obviously, they consider knowledge of the TKT syllabus to be valuable.
And then we followed to classroom management and learn English family, Learn English parents.
In ‘Help your child learn English’ the teachers got acquainted with notes about topics such as ‘How children learn’, and suggestions for activities the parents can try at home for example, activities to help with pronunciation.
The training in Sumqayit was held on 30 November 2009 at school # 26.
Training in Sumqayit
Below is the feedback from the trainers:
We started at 10.00 and finished at 17.00. There were 17 participants. We had sessions on TKT, classroom language and at the end of the sessions we presented the sites for teachers learnenglish.org.uk and teachingenglish.org.uk. Because of poor internet connection the teachers couldn’t get registered. But they promised to get registered.
The participants got some useful ideas about TKT and classroom language. Some of the participants were really motivated and eager to share their opinions in the groups. They were really interested in TKT and even started to plan their preparation course to take the TKT test. We gave them necessary information and resources how to prepare for the exam. We highly appreciate teachers from Sumgayit for their motivation and willingness to improve their teaching.
They consider the product to be extremely valuable because the parents’ involvement to this project will help the students in learning English.
PROMOTION PROJECT 2 - 2010
In 2010 AzETA was awarded with a grant to continue the training in 14 more regions where 450 teachers participated.
The training was organized in Agsu on 19 June and in Shamakhi on 26 June 2010. The trainers promoted Global Home Website among the participants of the training. 18 secondary teachers from different schools of Agsu and 19 secondary teachers from different schools of Shamakhi participated in the training. Below is the feedback by the training on the training in both regions:
Training in Agsu
During the session the trainees were given information on all rubrics of Global Home website. They were distributed disks on
www.teachingenglish.org.uk and shown the way how to log in and use the site in order to find necessary materials for their lessons. The participants were given information on all rubrics of the site. Books and bookmarks
containing information about the site were distributed among the trainees. Feedback from the session:
- To the question if they think the website materials will be helpful in their teaching all participants answered positively.
- All participants agreed that the trainers gave them enough information about the website.
- The participant teachers agreed that the website will help their professional growth.
- Participant teachers noted that they would recommend the website to their friends.
The training in Baku was organized on 30 November. 26 secondary teachers from different schools of Baku attended the training.
The training in Barda and Jalilabad was organized on 24 April and 25 April respectively. 30 teachers participated in the training in Barda and 22 teachers participated in the training in Jalilabad.
Training in Barda
The training in Goygol was organised on 19 June. 27 AzETA members from different schools of the region attended the training.
Training in Goygol
Here is the feedback by the trainer:
1. Introduction to TKT Essentials course
2. Module 1 Lexis
3. Module 1 Speaking
4. Module 1 Reading
5. Module 2 Lesson plan components
6. Module 3 Teacher roles
I started to run TKT Essentials session on Saturday 19 June, 2010. Although it’s intended to have 20 participants for the training there were 27 participants (list of participants and photos will be attached).
As it was one day training I tried to choose more interesting and important to my mind issues and activities for teachers of Goygol district. The session started with introduction to TKT Essentials. The participants were provided with information about TKT Essentials and given explanation about usage of the course materials.
After activities concerning Lexis session teachers had information about key concepts used in describing aspects of vocabulary and could account for some of the factors which lead to vocabulary errors by learners. By the end of the Speaking session, the participants could explain key concepts in oral communication and discuss issues concerning accuracy and fluency in speaking practise. By the end of the Reading session the participants were able to explain key concepts related to reading and its sub skills.
By the end of the Lesson plan components session the participants could distinguish the different components involved in lesson plans and establish advantages of lesson planning. After activities concerning Teacher roles the participants were able to define teacher roles and select teacher roles appropriate to different activities.
The overall of the session was good, participants were involved, the good thing is that majority of them like group and pair work. Discussions were lively. At the end of the session the participants were given some paper to write their thoughts/feedback of session.
Some teachers’ quotes/feedback:
- I think the materials and activities were very useful and I enjoy everything. Thanks a lot.
- I have learned many new terminologies, thanks for organizing such kind of training.
- Thank British Council in Azerbaijan for organizing and supporting this training
Training in Lenkaran was organised on 21 June and in Salyan on 22 June. 17 teachers in Lenkaran and 22 teachers in Salyan attended the training.
Training in Lenkaran
Below is the feedback by the trainers:
The sessions were based on the Global English Product. The trainers presented the ways and methods of teaching English with young learners. They especially forwarded information teaching speaking which is lacking at schools today. During the sessions there was hot discussions on the problems of teaching speaking in the classroom. There were different activities, mostly group and pair work activities where the teachers tried out activities on 4 skills and their integration. There were lively, friendly talks during tea break. After the seminar the teachers wrote feedback. Below is some feedback by the teachers:
- We learned much. We need this kind of seminars. Lt is very important for us.
- Ithink that this Teacher Training seminar will be useful for me during school year.
- The activities presented were interesting. We enjoyed it. Thanks
- The training was very interesting. I’ve learned more new information for teaching young kids. I really enjoyed it. Everything was great. Thanks.
- I must admit that it was really interesting and useful for us - EFL teachers. I’d like such kind of workshops to be held quite often. Thank you. For your interesting activities.
- This training was very interesting And I think I’ll use for my children. Everything was very interesting and important.
- Thanks for coming. You did a good job. I highly evaluate the activities that you taught us today. I have one suggestion You should talk about how watching movies or reading extra books can help students to develop their language skills. Your job appreciated. Thanks once more again.
- It was very great. I enjoyed it. I had a very good time I got some information that would help me. In teaching English. So thank you for your coming from far. I would like you to come and teach us smth new again. Thank you.
PROMOTION PROJECT 3 - 2011
Project 3 was implemented in February – June 2011. The general goal of the program in terms of language competence is to help teachers observe demo lessons as a result of which they are expected to organise their daily teaching based on the materials of these sites which will help their students
develop fluency and communication strategies in English through meaningful interaction. Derived from the general goal, the Project defines general and specific objectives that are appropriate for the teachers’ ongoing professional development.
Promotion Project 3 consisted of 3 stages.
At Stage 1 8 regions were selected where 16 students are taught a three-hour class in teach region. 7 teachers are selected to observe the demo lessons and apply the new skills to their teaching afterwards.
The first demo lesson was organized in Baku on 12 February where 8 selected students participated. 9 selected teachers observed the lesson. The topic was Environmental Protection.
Demo lesson in Baku
Demo lesson in Ismayilli was organized on 5 March. 20 students participated in the demo lesson. 20 teachers observed the lesson. 7
teachers among them will be selected to participate in the competition that will be announced in May. The aim of the competition is to encourage teachers to benefit from the British Council TeachEnglish site and use teaching materials in their daily lessons.
Demo lesson in Ismayilli
Demo lessons in Barda and Ganja were organised on 26 March. There were 16 students and 9 teachers from different secondary schools in the demo lesson in Barda. The topic was Parts of Body.
There were 8 teachers to observe the lesson in Ganja. 16 secondary students participated in the demo lesson. The topic was Environmental Protection.
 
Demo lesson in Barda and Ganja
Demo lesson in Khachmaz was organized on 2 April. There were 9 secondary teachers to observe the lesson. 17 secondary students participated in the lesson. The topics were Shopping and The World & Me.
Demo lesson in Xacmaz
Demo lesson in Mingechevir was organized on 9 April. There were 18 students and 9 teachers at the lesson. The topic was Environmental Protection.
Demo lesson in Sheki was organized on 23 April. There were 16 students and 17 teachers at the lesson. The topic was Parts of the Body.
Demo lesson in Sumgayit was organised on 7 May. There were 14 students and 7 teachers. The topics were Environmental Protection and Parts of the Body.
Ragsana Mammadova, AzETA Founder & Executive Director observed all the lessons to discuss the Project with the teachers, to inform them about the aims and objectives of the Project, the terms and references of the competition and the Project-end Forum. She also answered questions of the teachers.
Stage 2 of the Project was the competition among the teachers of the Project. The competition covered the period of February - May 2011.
On 1 June, Nigar Baimova, Deputy Director and Gulshan Huseynova, Programmes Manager of the British Council and Ragsana Mammadova, AzETA Founder & Executive Director selected the winners of the competition at the British Council office. As a result, the below teachers were selected the winners of the competition:
Gulshan Huseynli, AzETA Mingechevir Branch – 1st Prize
Gunel Nasibli, AzETA Barda Branch – 2nd Prize
Shafag Agayeva, AzETA Mingechevir Branch – 3rd Prize
Ulker Aliyeva, AzETA Sheki Branch – 4th Prize
Selection criteria included:
- Registration with and active participation at TeachEnglish site
- Using materials in their daily teaching taking from TeachEnglish and LearnEnglish sites
- Number of classes taught in May based on the materials taken from TeachEnglish site
- Feedback by peers who observed the lesson
- List of students registered with LearnEnglish site
- Photos of the lessons
- Description of the lessons
List of the teachers who participated at the Competition:
1. Aygul Shahveranova, Sumqayit – 1 lesson taught
2. Aygun Memmedova, Sheki – 3 lessons taught
3. Aynura Mehdiyeva, Sheki – 3 lesson taught
4. Dilara Kerimova, Bas Kungut Village, Sheki – 3 lesson taught
5. Edalet Musayeva, Sheki – 8 lessons taught
6. Gulnaz Hajiyeva, Mingechevir – 7 lessons taught
7. Gulshan Huseynli, Mingechevir – 36 lessons taught
8. Gunel Nasibli, Katalparag Village, Barda – 16 lessons taught
9. Irada Mammadova, Xacmaz – 3 lesson taught
10. Kenul Qafarova, Sumqayit – 1 lesson taught
11. Meleknisa Ismayilova, Mingechevir – 2 lessons taught
12. Natiga Guliyeva, Ganja – 4 lessons taught
13. Seadet Hasanova, Goygol – 2 lessons taught
14. Sevil Aliverdiyeva, Xacmaz – 4 lessons taught
15. Shefeg Agayeva, Mingechevir – 11 lessons taught
16. Sherafet Bayramov, Ismayilli – 3 lessons taught
17. Ulker Aliyeva, Sheki – 11 lessons taught
Stage 3 of the Project was a one-day Forum in Baku which was held on 4 June at the Khazar University where all the Project teachers all Project regions were brought together to discuss the results of their teaching through using materials taken from TeachEnglish and LearnEnglish sites. They had also a chance to give presentations at the Forum on their teaching based on TeachEnglish and LearnEnglish sites.
Besides the Project teachers, some guest teachers from non-Project regions were also invited to the Forum where besides being introduced to the materials from TeachEnglish and LearnEnglish sites, they were given a chance to register the sites for their future reference.
The result of the competition was also announced and the winners were awarded at the Forum.
83 participants and 8 presenters from 15 regions of Azerbaijan attended the Forum:
1. Baku – 21 participants, 7 presenters
2. Barda – 5 participants, 1 presenter
3. Bilesuvar – 1 participant
4. Ganja – 6 participants
5. Goygol – 1 participant
6. Ismayilli – 5 participants
7. Lenkaran – 3 participants
8. Masalli – 1 participant
9. Mingechevir – 6 participants
10. Neftchala – 2 participants
11. Qebele – 2 participants
12. Salyan – 3 participants
13. Sheki – 8 participants, 1 presenter
14. Sumgayit – 6 participants
15. Xacmaz – 4 participants
PROMOTION PROJECT 4 - 2011 - 2012
AzETA has been awarded with the Promotion Project 4 which will start in December 2011 and end in May 2012.
8 regions have been selected to implement the Project. These regions are the ones where there are schools with computer clusters which are not used effectively. The regions include: Barda, Bilesuvar, Ismayilli, Jalilabad, Xacmaz, Mashtaga district of Baku, Salyan, Sheki.
Promotion Project 4 consists of 4 stages:
At Stage 1, 8 teachers from these regions will be brought together in Baku for 2 full days on 17-18 November 2011 to be trained on computer assisted language learning and how to use TeachEnglish and LearnEnglish sites for the purposes of the Project. The training will be organized in Baku and the trainers of the EGP Promotional Projects 1-3 will be involved for the training.
At Stage 2 (December 2011 – May 2012) the trained teachers will be given lesson plans and assignments to teach to 240 children (30 children from each region) selected from these regions and they will have a two-hour lesson every week within 5 months (December 2011 – April 2012). Each of the pupil will register to learn English website and use it with the support of the teacher on a systematic basis.
The selection criteria will include:
14 – 17 year olds as this is the age group which have more access to internet, but use it for non-education purposes;
Children from the schools that are a part of the Electronic Schools project;
Children with basic computer skills (additional skills on working with power point will be taught to them during the course);
Children with an access to internet at least twice a week;
Children at least with elementary level of English (their English level will be tested with Placement tests developed by AzETA);
Lesson 1 will be an introductory lesson where the students will be introduced to LearnEnglish site and how to use this site. At every lesson the teachers will give tasks to the students to prepare independently after the class using LearnEnglish site. At the each next lesson the students will discuss, share and compare the materials they use from LearnEnglish site.
During the lessons the students will also be trained to give presentations using LearnEnglish site as the Project aims to bring together the project beneficiaries in a one-day Project end Forum in one of the Project regions where the students will give presentations on the knowledge and skills gained through the LearnEnglish site.
Stage 3 Regional Monitoring visits (January – April 2012)
AZETA trainers will pay one visit per each region to monitor the project implementation and provide feedback to the teachers in the regions.
Stage 4. Final presentation of results and Round Table on Ictimai TV (May 2012)
Project teachers will be brought together in Baku at the end of the project to report their results, share experiences and participate in a TV program on the topic selected by the British Council (For example: The role of Digital technology in the current way of teaching of English).
AzETA acknowledges the British Council for this Project which is a unique opportunity for teachers, students and parents. So far about 800 teachers and 8,000 students benefited from the Project directly and indirectly.
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Training by Prof. Glenn Deckert, Senior English Language Fellow
Prof. Glenn Deckert, Senior English Language Fellow brought to Azerbaijan by the US Embassy, organised teacher training for 15 AzETA members in 2006-2007. After his training the trainers visited AzETA branches to train their peers there in 2007-2008.
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Training by Alecia Rubino, English Language Fellow
Alecia Rubino, English Language Fellow (2008-2010) also trained AzETA members in Baku. She organised 3 training courses in this period: (a) for mentor teachers in November 2008 - January 2009; (b) for new AzETA members in January 2009 and March - May 2009; (c) Teacher training for TOEFL classes in January - May 2010.
TOEFL training group
Besides this, she also offered open workshops to the AzETA members every Saturday in AzETA Baku office during the school year.
Alecia Rubino also visited AzETA branches to give workshops on 2-5 June 2009. She gave a workshop in Ismayilli, Qebele, Sheki, Mingechevir and Ganja during this period. In each region 10-15 members attended the workshop. The Minsitry of Education provided organisational support to these workshops instructing the Regional Education departments to create a favourable condition for organising the workshops.
Thanks to all this, now AzETA has more trained members. AzETA acknowledges the US Embassy for this great opportunity as the members get empowered professionally through these training courses.
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