scholarly journals Research on Training Mode and Paths for Autonomous Professional development of Foreign Language Teachers in Colleges and Universities

Author(s):  
Jingjing Hao
Author(s):  
Olha Demianenko ◽  
◽  
Rymma Maiboroda ◽  

As the title implies, a scientific paper reveals the issue of an efficiency of professional activity of foreign language teachers in higher education institutions in the context of SIOP model. The problem of this study is that in spite of the stressed importance of teaching skills, student teachers lack many of the English as a foreign language (EFL) teaching skills which may have a negative impact on their teaching performance that in turn affects their teaching self-efficacy. The methods of applying SIOP model and the effect of using SIOP model on developing EFL student teachers’ teaching skills are studied. It is emphasized that among the multiple factors that affect students’ achievement is teacher effectiveness. Thus, the challenge remains to improve and promote the effectiveness of teachers in an effort to increase students’ academic achievement. The positive and negative aspects of the education shift towards SIOP model are identified, the principles of enhancing innovative educational process effectiveness are revealed. It is worth noting that any professional development of foreign language teachers in higher education institutions must address specific knowledge and attitudes that are relevant to teaching foreign language learners. Teachers need to understand basic constructs of the second language development, the nature of language proficiency, the role of the first language and culture in learning, and the demands that mainstream education places on culturally diverse students. There is growing evidence that professional development approaches that are guided by teacher input and that view teacher learning as continual and transformative makes higher education institutions a better place for students and staff. The results indicated that introduction of SIOP model has opened up a number of problems associated with the introduction of such training services. It is stressed that the factors of SIOP model can guide limited English proficient students and suggest some useful strategies for language teachers to handle the students’ difficulties in language comprehension. It should be stressed that the introduction of SIOP model in modern educational process opens up wide horizons and unlimited possibilities for the efficiency of professional activity of foreign language teachers in higher education institutions, which have yet to be studied and mastered by modern pedagogical science.


Author(s):  
Merve Gazioğlu ◽  
Buket Tanyeri

This mixed-method study aims to offer an insight into foreign language teachers’ perceptions on the relationship between intercultural competence and professional development. It is also attempted to explore some methods for evaluating teachers’ intercultural competence through their professional development activities. The research participants are local and international instructors at a private university in Turkey. Data was collected via a web-based questionnaire adapted from Sercu (2006) and a semi-structured interview designed by the researchers. The general findings of the study indicate that learning about a) target culture, b) local culture, and c) international students’ culture contribute to foreign language teachers’ intercultural competence and it is considered as a part of their professional development. However, it is pointed out that pre-service and in-service teacher training programs in Turkey cannot provide sufficient facilities to develop teachers’ intercultural competence.  Key words: professional development, intercultural competence, foreign language teaching.  


2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-52
Author(s):  
Valentina Toci

Abstract In this study, starting from the profile of our trainees and from the risks highlighted by some studies in terms of the use of video in education, we will analyse the motivations and choices behind the development of the online training model for Foreign Language teachers. We will show how, in order to cope with the impossibility of continuing with blended training, we were directed to a model more closely linked with visual-based learning. We explain our instructional and emotional design choices to support and direct our teacher trainees to flexible learning and the use of media and Web 2.0 in their classrooms. Finally, we investigate the possible problems in terms of sustainability and technical feasibility, comparing the development of two prototypes of videos made using the techniques of video scribing and whiteboard animation: a video interview and a video animation.


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