"Education is the most powerful weapon which we can use to change the world”
- Nelson Mandela -
News >Training for Educators - Beqaa Region
Dec 20,2023
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As part of the Teachers Training component of the Access Program, Teach for Lebanon has organized a series of 4 workshops entitled “Training for Educators” for 25 teachers of the English language at public schools in Beqaa region. The teachers committed to attend the 4 workshops that elaborated the following three topics: Trends of Teaching English Language, Universal Design Learning, and Wellbeing as an Essential Teaching Element. The four training modules were held at Delora Hotel – Chtaura in the Beqaa region, Lebanon
The first workshop was held on September 2, 2023. The first session “Trends of Teaching English Language - 1” by Mrs. Layla Itani introduced Bachman’s 1990 Model of Communicative Language Ability. In addition, the trainer elaborated about teaching strategies and the 20th teaching methods behinds teaching approaches (Audio Lingual, Direct Method, Reading, Grammar Translation, Affective Humanistic, Communicative, & the Comprehensive Method).
During the second session entitled “Universal Design for Learning - 1”, Dr. Lara Al Khatib defined UDL as an evidence and researched framework that is based in neuro-science that can transform how teachers teach and how students learn. During the session, the presenter started by defining UDL and described its two main goals.
The third session “Wellbeing as an Essential Element - 1” also by Dr. Leila Al Khatib emphasized on how wellbeing improves teachers' ability to interact with students, teach concepts, face challenges, and avoid burnout. Teachers were introduced to Eisenhower Matrix “urgent-important” and applied a related activity to rethink their priorities by filling a chart and labeling what they think as urgent/important.
The second workshop took place on September 3, 2023. The first session “Trends of Teaching English Language - 1” by Mrs. Layla Itani focused on practicing activities to help students listen better. Teachers learned through different set of games to transform listening into a talent show to help students who struggle with it.
The second session, “Universal Design for Learning - 2”, by Dr. Lara Al Khatib was focused mainly on identifying and discussing the three pillars of UDL and the techniques to teach using UDL inspired methods and techniques to prepare students to become expert lifelong learners.
On the third session on “Wellbeing as an Essential Element”, Dr. Lara reflected with the teachers on micro moments of joy and they conducted together a questionnaire about resilience. The discussion was focused on creating a positive and sustainable learning environment.
On November 18, 2023, the third workshop was conducted. In the first session “Trends of Teaching English Language – Module 3” by Mrs. Layla Itani, the teachers participated in engaging and stimulating activities about teaching speaking for students. The activities were designed to encourage students to be creative and to captivate their attention.
The second session “Universal Design for Learning – Module 3”, by Dr. Lara Al Khatib started by identifying UDL as a framework that goes with any method. The trainer emphasized on its 3 networks: the strategic (how), affective (why), and the recognition (what).
The third session “Wellbeing as an Essential Element – Module 3” also by Dr. Leila Al Khatib dwelt on the different types of rest that promote the wellbeing of teachers; these include, physical, mental, sensory, creative, emotional, social, and spiritual.
The last workshop was held on September 19, 2023. Mrs. Layla Itani in her “Trends of Teaching English Language – Module 4” session focused on how to teach reading and how to encourage students to read books. A fun game of “speed dating” was held where teachers exchanged questions and answers about their favorite childhood books and reading habits.
The following session on “Universal Design for Learning – Module 4” by Dr. Lara Al khatib taught the teachers, through educational activities, how to involve all students in the learning process. The participants watched different videos and exchanged ideas and methods together.
The last session on “Wellbeing as an Essential Element – Module 4” was a fun one where teachers played together with colorful balloons to learn about collaboration. The session aimed to prove how important collaboration is for the wellbeing of teachers and students as well.
At the end of the last workshop, certificates of participation were distributed to the teachers along with a bag containing a book about teaching English and stationery. The participants were so happy to have completed the workshop and asked to be informed about future ones.
Testimonials:
“I enrolled in 'The Hope is in Education' training with high expectations, and I can confidently say it exceeded them. This program not only provided valuable insights into the transformative power of education but also inspired hope for positive change. The instructors were passionate, the content was enlightening, and the emphasis on the role of education in shaping a brighter future left a lasting impact on my perspective.”
Mirna Azzam - English Teacher at a Public School
“The well-qualified trainers and friendly team made this training one of the best events I've attended. UDL changed my insights towards teaching and relieved some of my concerns. Many new activities were added to my repertoire. I was mostly affected by the well-being sessions.
Much respect to Access and its team!”
Shadia Badreddine Halabi - English teacher at a Public School
Looking forward to more training as this one!”
Rajaa Rasheed Basha - English teacher at a Public School