Peace and Education Foundation (PEF), in collaboration with the Regional English Language Office at the U.S. Embassy, organized a training workshop titled “Six-day Professional Development Workshop for English Language Teachers from Non-Mainstream Institutes” from July 29 to August 3, 2024, in Islamabad. A total of 52 teachers from Islamabad, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) participated, representing diverse Muslim denominations, including Barelvi, Deobandi, Salafi, Shia, and Jammat-e-Islami. Mr. Jerrold Frank, the Regional English Language Officer, distributed certificates to the trained teachers.
English language expert and lead trainer Dr. Zia Ullah Khan, along with assistant trainer Ms. Rabia Khan, conducted the workshop. The workshop covered a wide range of topics, including effective communication techniques, lesson planning, multiple intelligences, Bloom’s Taxonomy, technology and AI in classroom resource creation, and classroom management. Interactive activities focused on listening, speaking, reading, writing, and grammar. Participants engaged in microteaching, preparing and delivering 15-minute mini-lessons. This initiative addressed the pressing need for professional development opportunities among non-mainstream teachers, empowering them to improve their English language proficiency, refine their teaching methodologies, master effective communication techniques, and prepare for student-centric teaching.
In addition to the training sessions, the workshop also featured a cultural event. This event provided participants with an opportunity to understand the importance of culture, experience the local culture, and build relationships with their fellow participants. The workshop fostered the establishment of a supportive Community of Practice (COP) among English language teachers, facilitating ongoing learning and collaboration. Participants expressed profound gratitude to RELO and PEF for organizing this enriching and transformative experience. They praised the workshop for equipping them with the necessary tools and knowledge to enhance their English language proficiency and teaching skills.
Key Learning Outcomes:
- Learned how to engage the four language domains and practiced those skills.
- Learned the structure of Bloom’s Taxonomy and applied the structure to show an understanding of the need for a variety of tasks in a language lesson.
- Learned how to effectively integrate technology and AI tools in the classroom.
- Learned the structure of Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences and demonstrated how to incorporate multiple intelligences to plan lessons.
- Planned and delivered student-centered mini-lessons.
- Received feedback on their mini-lessons.
Participants Quotations
I am writing this to express my heartfelt gratitude for the exceptional six-day workshop for English language teachers from non-mainstream institutions. This training has been incredibly rewarding and one of the most enriching professional development experiences I have ever had. The workshop provided us with highly informative content and activities aimed at improving English language teaching through engaging, interactive methods. The sessions on creating effective lesson plans, understanding Bloom’s Taxonomy, and incorporating technology into the classroom were particularly illuminating. The activities focused on reading, listening, writing, and speaking were amazing and will benefit my students. I deeply appreciate the Peace and Education Foundation for organizing such a comprehensive workshop, and the generous support from the Regional English Language Office, U.S. Embassy Islamabad. I am eager to implement the techniques and activities I have learned in my institution. Syed Salman Nasir from Swat, KPK
The training session was informative and engaging, with clear explanations and relevant examples. The facilitator was knowledgeable and approachable, encouraging questions and discussions. The interactive activities and group work helped to reinforce learning and build connections with fellow participants. The program was well-structured and comprehensive, covering all aspects of the topic. The content was relevant and applicable to my work, with practical tips and tools. The program exceeded my expectations, providing valuable insights and skills. Hafiz Muhammad Imran from Khanewal, Punjab.
I recently attended the six-day training workshop organized by the Peace and Education Foundation in collaboration with the Regional English Language Office, U.S. Embassy Islamabad, and found it incredibly beneficial. The Foundation’s efforts in bringing together educators and experts were commendable. The sessions were engaging, informative, and relevant to my teaching needs. I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow as an educator. The Foundation’s dedication to promoting quality education is truly admirable. I highly recommend their workshops to fellow educators. They’re making a positive impact in the education sector. Abdul Basit Khalid from Charsadda, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Thank you to the Peace and Education Foundation (PEF) and RELO Pakistan for organizing the workshop and helping us become more qualified teachers. This workshop has broken down barriers between teachers and students, enabling us to teach using modern technology in madrasahs. Previously, madrasah students found the English language very difficult, but now we can teach English so effectively that they can read and understand it as easily as they do other subjects. Saqib Ali from Gujranwala, Punjab.