IATEFL GOTEVOT 2007

Wants, needs & perceptions ESP Teacher Training in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: 

Dr Abdulkarim Al Nujaidi, Head of English Language Curriculum & Design GOTEVOT, KSA Phil Dexter, ELT Consultant British Council, KSA Wants, needs & perceptions ESP Teacher Training in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

GOTEVOT Training Initiatives – why necessary?: 

GOTEVOT Training Initiatives – why necessary? 50 Institutions & (approx) 600 teachers A number with MA and PhD’s IN ELT but majority with no systematic teacher training Mixed level of motivation among teachers Need is to meet strategic importance of English across GOTEVOT programmes – diversification & skilled workforce

Our Training Package to date: 

Our Training Package to date One month basic methodology training in UK 2004–2007 250 teachers One month advanced methodology training in UK 2007 20 teachers One week training in Saudi Arabia 2005-2007 200 teachers

Training in Saudi Arabia – the package: 

Training in Saudi Arabia – the package Communicative approaches – theory & practice Approaches to ESP & materials development Learner Centred vs Teacher Centred teaching Lesson planning and supplementing the coursebook Multi-level and Mixed Ability – challenges and solutions E-learning Classroom practices – the role of the mother tongue Course feedback

Training in Saudi Arabia - Issues: 

Training in Saudi Arabia - Issues Relationship between:- Lack of pre-service training Need to understand methodology Need for practical classroom solutions

Training in Saudi Arabia - Issues: 

Training in Saudi Arabia - Issues Differences in perceptions between trainers and trainees:- Beliefs Role of the teacher Level of students Importance of English within the GOTEVOT system

4 Teacher Training Challenges in GOTEVOT: 

4 Teacher Training Challenges in GOTEVOT How much subject knowledge do ELT teachers need to have? How does this relate to a focus on a ‘learner centred approach’? What attitude can we take to the role of the mother tongue in an EFL/ESP situation? What key elements of teaching training could be prioritised in an ESP context?

Survey sample: 

Survey sample 92 ESP teachers from colleges of technology and technical Institutes in Saudi Arabia Age group 4% under 25 53.3% 26-30 33.7% 31-40 7.6 % Above 40

Survey sample: 

Survey sample

Survey sample: 

Survey sample

Survey sample: 

Survey sample

Survey sample: 

Survey sample

Teacher Preparation: 

Teacher Preparation

Teacher Preparation: 

Teacher Preparation

Teacher Preparation: 

Teacher Preparation

Teacher Preparation: 

Teacher Preparation

Teacher Preparation: 

Teacher Preparation

Teaching Preference: 

Teaching Preference

English used in class: 

English used in class

Perceptions of need for training: 

Perceptions of need for training

Perceptions of need for training: 

Perceptions of need for training

Perceptions of need for training: 

Perceptions of need for training

Perceptions of need for training: 

Perceptions of need for training

Perceptions of need for training: 

Perceptions of need for training

Perceptions of need for training: 

Perceptions of need for training

Perceptions of need for training: 

Perceptions of need for training

Perceptions of need for training: 

Perceptions of need for training

Perceptions of need for training: 

Perceptions of need for training

Perceptions of need for training: 

Perceptions of need for training

Perceptions of need for training: 

Perceptions of need for training

conducting needs analysis: 

conducting needs analysis

conducting needs analysis: 

conducting needs analysis

Training Needs: 

Training Needs We need to have a training program on ESP or a program in TESOL Need more training programs during the scholastic year to refresh our memories [teaching practices] We need training that touches the students' problems More training on ESP for teachers abroad

Training Needs: 

Training Needs more programs like the SA training that concentrate on communication which most teachers lack we are not chosen for training No training for us at GOTEVOT More training on ESP, more training programs we need more methods to teach English

Training Needs: 

Training Needs we need courses abroad in English speaking countries and Ph.D. programs We need training on how to use teaching aids Training on ESP methodology and developing speaking skills

Problems: 

Problems Heavy teaching load Large classes Students’ level and carelessness Outdated textbooks Poor equipment: Lack of teaching aids like computers and data show and good speakers Some ESP textbooks are confusing and difficult to teach

Our Future Vision for ELT Teacher Training : 

Our Future Vision for ELT Teacher Training Needs based systematic training in KSA 2 weeks in summer + ongoing training during the year Basic Methodology course in UK Preliminary to advanced methodology course Advanced Methodology course in UK Identification of trainers to cascade training with defined roles & trainer training programmes in Saudi Arabia

Slide38: 

Dr Abdulkarim Al-Nujaidi anujaidi@hotmail.com Phil Dexter phil.dexter@sa.britishcouncil.org