Language teachers increasingly go online, but they still need face to face contact for continuing professional development, according to a survey of Head Teachers and Heads of Language Departments, carried out by the Links into Languages programme.
Language educators increasingly use online resources to share ideas on methodology, pedagogical approaches and resources that work well in the classroom, but face to face continuing professional development remains hugely important to them. Teachers also registered a keen interest in gaining accreditation for their CPD, and welcomed opportunities to gain credits towards a Masters qualification.
The survey findings suggest that the needs of language educators should be recognized more clearly, and that they need access to the most up to date CPD, the latest resources and career opportunities; even more so given the introduction of the new ‘English Baccalaureate’ at GCSE level.
Mike Kelly, Director of Links into Languages said, ‘We are disappointed that the government is withdrawing funding for the Links programme at the end of March 2011, at a time when CPD needs have never been greater. We respect the government’s desire to give greater autonomy to schools in deciding their own CPD needs. Many teachers have benefitted from the opportunities offered by Links, and we hope that schools will be able to find high quality alternatives. We hope that the intelligence and expertise gained from the Links into Languages programme will feed into future provision’.
Click here for the press release and the final report.