Terms of Reference

1. Background

Teachers in the regions of Azerbaijan have limited or no access to the UK’s resources. The British Council Azerbaijan would like to demonstrate commitment and support to build local trainer capacity in the regions of Azerbaijan by providing ELT methodology training for English teachers.

With this purpose, the British Council opens a call for proposals for a study programme for professional development in ELT methodology with a focus on trainer skills, with the focus of encouraging learning using interactive teaching approaches. The purpose is to showcase British expertise in teacher training and trainer training.

2. Description of training to be provided within the study programme

2.1 Study programme aims

To enhance the general competency of ELT teacher trainers by familiarising them with the use of different resources and interactive methods to successfully deliver training programmes and develop teaching skills among teachers in regional schools through innovative approaches for study and providing them with a variety of teaching techniques.

2.2 Study tour dates

Sunday 19 March - Saturday 25 March 2017 (30 hours, Monday - Friday)

2.3 Study tour participants

 9 secondary school English teachers from 5 regions of Azerbaijan who will participate in delivering classes, designing skills-based activities for students and delivering teacher training sessions in regions. Every teacher has at least 3 years of teaching experience, and holds a university degree or equivalent in English language teaching.

 1 representative (group leader) from the British Council Azerbaijan office.

2.4 Study tour programme and outline

The training programme should include (but not limited to) the following elements, which will form part of the programme:

• Developing skills for designing and delivering teacher training sessions and courses
• Understanding of key issues in planning and delivering training courses
• Skills in observing and providing feedback

The training provider will be expected to provide participants with their own materials, as necessary.

The above-mentioned programme may be in the form of (a mix is desirable):

 Interactive seminars
 Lectures
 Group work
 Focused workshops, etc.

2.5 Study tour outcomes

By the end of the training programme, course participants should be able to

• independently use a variety of techniques, approaches and activities for teaching English
• plan activities into a coherent lesson
• successfully manage the teaching and learning process
• select and use resources for ELT
• reflect on new skills and knowledge gained and develop an implementation plan for their regular teaching work post-training
• Identify skills which are transferable from teaching to training
• Identify and describe learning styles
• Relate learning styles to activity types and tasks
• Define motivation and relate to training contexts
• Relate teacher levels of experience to issues and challenges in delivering training
• Analyse teacher training problems and provide solutions
• Provide constructive feedback to trainees
• Create a checklist of evaluation criteria
• Express valid, measurable learning outcomes.

3. Description of other services to be provided
The hosting UK institution will be in charge of the following services to be provided:

3.1 Accommodation and Meals
Host family accommodation should be arranged for a full duration of the study programme within easy travelling (preferably walking) distance of the host institution. Participants should have a private study bedroom. 3-times meals should also be included in the service pack of the hosting institution.
3.2 Resources and facilities
Participants should have access to the library, IT resources giving them computer access, Resource Centre of the host institution.
3.3 Participant Support
One person from the host institution should be assigned to the group to act as the main point of contact (to be contactable either via phone or in person) and to deal with any accommodation/training/emergency issues (including any difficulties in homestay, should that be the agreed accommodation arrangement and should difficulties arise).
3.4 Cultural programme should also be a part of the study tour programme with a couple of cultural activities included (the programme should be provided in advance)
3.5 Other services
Other services may include the following:
• Airport collection and drop-off
• Welcome lunch on first day and farewell lunch on final day
• Bus-passes for transport to and from the host institution and local travel
3.6 How to apply
If you are interested, please send your expression of interest (a detailed proposal with information on programme and costing) to Flora Poladova, English Programmes Coordinator (flora.poladova@britishcouncil.az) by February 10th, 2017.
An interview (Skype or telephone) will be organised with shortlisted institutions no later than February 16th, 2017.