Teacher Training program- a chance for development and change
Child-Centered Teaching Methodology (CCTM) and Inclusive Education (IE) were the main topics in the teachers’ training program. This year, the capacity building program for teachers throughout Albania has been conducted during October and November 2007. It emphasized skills building for teachers to develop their learning and enhance the use of child-centered teaching techniques and inclusive approaches with children in their classes
Capacity building for teachers in Albania is critical.
One education inspector from Shkodra town explained “It comprises a vital importance for the education in Albania”.
The Ministry of Education estimates that about 18 percent of teachers are unqualified and the number of teachers who encourage children’s participation in the classroom is very low. The out-dated teaching methods, that are currently used, do not encourage effective learning and generate passive learners.
To help change this reality, SCiA’s education programme, in joint effort with the Ministry of Education, is intensively working to improve the quality of teaching and children’s learning.
This year, through the cascade approach training for teachers, we have trained and increased the capacity of 604 teachers, education specialists and inspectors in 13 regions of Albania. The success of this activity is also due to the positive cooperation between Save the Children’s Education Programme and the state Institute of Curricula and Training.
In these trainings, teachers learned how to understand and manage children’s learning differences, how to work with the differences to help children succeed, and to work in small groups and within the classroom. Teachers and specialists watched videos where very experienced teachers have used different CCTMs in the class. The composition of the trainee groups with teachers and education specialists favored a medley of teaching experience exchanges and sharing of successful teaching examples.
The trained teachers considered the training and the materials delivered as a great opportunity and invaluable support for them to develop their teaching skills and knowledge and enabled them to update their teaching strategies.
A primary school teacher from Shkodra expressed “Before, we, teachers considered the children’s individual differences as a barrier for the teaching process. Now we are aware that these differences reflect values and also learned how to develop these values through the use of progressive child centered teaching techniques.”
The improved skills among teachers means that teachers’ attitudes are changing rapidly. From resistance and hesitation, the trained teachers have moved towards practicing CCTM in the class. During class observations, it was noted that the best teachers have gained competences in the use of these methods and in promoting active participation of their pupils during the learning process.
In addition, about 9,750 children are potentially benefiting from a more child centered teaching approach and learning process. These improved skills have enhanced and motivated children to actively participate and interact in class. Children are enabled to articulate freely their ideas and opinions and their intellect, imagination and creativity are stimulated. This encourages children’s learning effectiveness and makes them more active participants in their education.