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    What professional development path do you follow?
    Submitted by TE Editor on 13 February, 2009 - 11:36

    In her latest article for TeachingEnglish, Jenny Johnson outlines some of the activities she has found popular in CPD* during her research into the subject. Which of the following do you use most often? Leave your comments below and tell us why.

    You can read Jenny's article and find out more about the different areas here.

    * CPD - continuing professional development

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    monicabirchall's picture
    monicabirchall
    CPD
    Submitted on 14 February, 2009 - 17:29

     Hi Jenny and everybody else,

    Nowadays I´m into online communities, however, I`ve already gone through different phases: of individual reading, giving sessions, formal courses and talking informally. These are the most common ones! I once also had the great opportunity of being taught by experts, during a Especialization course. It was interesting to observe the impact  the good role model  had upon my teaching. Unfortunately, here in Brazil where I live, at the university we hardly ever have courses  which are carried out in English so we lack this role model in English and lack the opportunity to interact in English as well. But this particular module, during my especialization was in English and it made a difference! So I wish I had more chance to see other experts teaching. By the way , are there sites where I can see other teachers teaching? I remember that during my CELTA, we were invited to observe taped lessons of more experienced teachers and I really found this practice quite profitable! I learnt a lot from it!

    Love,

    Monica

    Jenny Johnson's picture
    Jenny Johnson
    CPD Poll: reply to Monica
    Submitted on 17 February, 2009 - 21:30

    Hi again Monica

    Thanks for sharing the modes of CPD that you have enjoyed. Isn't it great that online communities have taken off as an easy and useful way to interact with peers and colleagues worldwide? You must enrol for the upcoming virtual IATEFL conference: it is a brilliant initiative and allows teachers access to all kinds of talks and discussions going on before and during the conference. It sort of makes up for not being able to attend conferences in person, and the IATEFL one is particularly good!

    I'm afraid I don't know of anywhere you can freely watch teachers teaching on video, though I know there are some videos commercially available (but expensive, I expect!)

    all the best

    Jenny

     

    Rania Jabr's picture
    Rania Jabr
    Professional development path
    Submitted on 24 February, 2009 - 07:32
    I relied on extensive attendence and particpation in international and national conferences. The experience and the networking are invaulable. What I learned from practical conferences like IATEFL will remain with me for life. Rania
    Jenny Johnson's picture
    Jenny Johnson
    Conferences: reply to Rania
    Submitted on 24 February, 2009 - 23:09

    Hi Rania

    I quite agree! If only more people were able to attend conferences!

    Everybody can attend IATEFL Cardiff online - free! Just click on the links in the top left hand corner of the home page of TeachingEnglish.

    There will be lots to do, see and share! What you learn will stay with you for life (as Rania said)!

    all the best

    Jenny

    carladelia's picture
    carladelia
    The Internet and its benefits
    Submitted on 3 March, 2009 - 20:05

    I have also tried a bit of all the options in the poll. Right now, due to my teaching routine in several companies, along with the time and effort spent on devising material, I exchange ideas and keep myself updated through online communities. I also believe in the "natural exchange" of experiences and thoughts between teachers. Every teacher has something to add to your teaching development. At least twice a year I attend formal courses and workshops. 

    Carla D'Elia - English Teacher

    Yolanda44's picture
    Yolanda44
    My experience.
    Submitted on 20 July, 2012 - 03:07

    Hello Jenny,

    I have been a teacher for more than twenty years and I have always worked in private institutes, not schools or universities.

    I have attended many workshops, seminars  and conferences by experts, etc.  and I like reading articles and books about methodology. Thanks to the internet I have access to many sites in English and enjoy reading about different topics. 

    I also have an English Business Certificate from the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry which enables me to teach Business English.

    At present I am working for a Consultancy Company teaching English to the staff in several companies.

    This teaching situation is quite interesting because my students or trainees do need the language for their jobs.

    Teaching English as a foreign language (EFL)  in a community where this language is seldom needed for real communication is sometimes difficult.

    I would like to continue my development as a teacher as I think we always need to improve our teaching methods and our understanding of the learners.

    I would like to join a group in order to share ideas and experiences.

    Best regards,

    Yolanda44