This training is designed for those who are considering becoming a language teacher. Perhaps you have already started your journey towards becoming a teacher but you feel you need some guidance, assistance or didactical background to further develop your teaching skills.This Introduction to Language Teaching course is a practical training module for foreign- and second-language teachers.

In this module of 5 sessions combined with authentic class observations, you will acquire the basic knowledge and skills to prepare a language lesson according to modern teaching methodologies, learn how to select an appropriate coursebook for your lessons and how to manage a group of students.

This course is open to teachers of all languages who work with (young) adults.

 The introductory module includes:

* 10 observations of language lessons conducted by experienced language teachers (11 languages available)
* 4 interactive group sessions led by experienced teacher trainers
* 1 practical workshop with lesson simulations and feedback from your trainer

Total amount of hours: 28
Individual study and preparation: approximately 3 hours per session

Each group session focuses on a different didactical subject and is aimed at discovering principles and techniques that can be implemented at various stages of the lesson. Each session is scheduled two weeks apart so teachers can conduct three observations between sessions, following this schedule:

Session 1: Types of teachers and teaching methods, where do you stand? (Online session, length 2.5 hours)
3 observations in class focused on communication and interaction

Session 2:  A global communicative approach in practice (Online session, length 2.5 hours)
3 observations in class focused on lessons structure

Session 3: Working models for lessons structure (Online session, length 2.5 hours)
3 observations in class focused on classroom management (online or offline)

Session 4: Classroom variables and how to manage a lesson (session on location, length 2.5 hours)
1 observation in class, focus defined by the observer

Session 5: Workshop with simulations and case solving (session on location, length 3 hours)

Content of each session:

Session 1: Types of teachers and teaching methods, where do you stand? 

This session will focus on identifying clear goals in teaching and learning while considering how different approaches can be implemented to achieve those goals. Different profiles of teachers and different teaching methods (from Grammar translation to Direct method, from Audio-lingual to Suggestopedia, etc.) will be explored and discussed, in order to give teachers a clear overview of the possible references in their teaching practice.

Session 2: A Global Communicative approach in practice 

This session will deepen the concept of communication in language learning and identify how the Communicative approach has evolved in the last decades to become a more global approach to teaching. We will focus on some key elements, including the focus on the learner, their skills or the dichotomy “fluency/accuracy” and Steven Krashen’s 5 second language acquisition hypothesis, and see how they can be of relevance in our lessons and teaching philosophy. We will also consider examples of task and project-based activities and the application of the collaborative approach in class.

Session 3: Working models for lessons structure

This very technical session aims at providing teachers with clear examples of structured approaches or frameworks that they can use to plan and organize effective language lessons. Within the frame of the Communicative approach, many have proposed models that can be used in different contexts, kinds of classes, or with different purposes. From PPP to CLIL, ARC, ESA or TBL(T), what do these acronyms mean? What does the most common PPP structure include and what does it miss? When should you rather opt for a TBL or ESA structure? Are there specific models for different languages? We will discuss these options and discuss their roles within your lessons.

Session 4: Classroom variables and how to manage a lesson

Preparing a lesson and implementing it requires a different approach, and you might have to face problems you hadn’t previously considered. This practical session will shine some light on the most common issues you can encounter in class, addressing the tools that you can utilize and guide your students in more effective ways. We will discuss time, space, resource and energy management skills to help you  create the right conditions for effective learning and encourage your students to work in more focused ways.

Session 5 (Workshop): Simulation and case solving

The last session of this module is intended to serve as a very practical session during which teachers will work together to plan and simulate lessons in different languages. We will put in practice all the things we have learnt in the previous sessions and you’ll get a chance to implement some of the techniques you have seen during your observations. At the end each teacher will receive personal feedback and advice to make the most of this course and to keep developing their teaching skills.