We understand the needs of teachers and learners of English and the challenges they face, and recognise that qualifications may not be all that is needed in today’s competitive job market.
To help both teachers and learners further develop their skills, we offer a wide variety of free seminars, workshops, webinars and other training opportunities, all designed and delivered by highly qualified and experienced British Council presenters.
The seminars, workshops and webinars are free but you should contact us in advance in order to reserve a place.
Seminars and webinars for teachers of English
The aim of our seminars and webinars for teachers of English is to share our considerable knowledge, skills and expertise in teaching, provide information, clarify grey areas, introduce new approaches to the teaching of English and give teachers the opportunity to come together to discuss issues around preparing students for exams. Both new and experienced teachers are welcome to take part.
Given the level and speed of changes taking place in exams, these seminars and webinars will be even more important in future and will enable teachers to plan and prepare students for very different qualifications.
Pedagogical seminars and webinars
Stories in the classroom - The language classroom is a perfect environment for teachers and students to tell stories. In this practical workshop we’ll explore playful, fulfilling and inclusive activities that are designed to build language learners’ confidence and fluency in personal storytelling
Pronunciation in the classroom - This webinar will give you some practical ideas to help you work with pronunciation in your classes. Pronunciation is probably the most neglected aspect of language taught in our classrooms. We often feel that grammar and vocabulary must take precedence and as such, pronunciation activities are either kept entirely or rushed through quickly.
Motivating our learners - This workshop will look at how teacher language can positively impact teaching and learning in the young learner classroom. You will firstly look at language for classroom management, focusing on routines and daily interactions then language we use to introduce new concepts and vocabulary, followed by the language you use to set up tasks.
What it means to be a teacher - This talk will look at what it means to be a professional teacher and the wide array of competencies a professional teacher needs to have: subject knowledge, lesson planning abilities, lesson delivery skills and commitment to successful student learning and inclusion.
Success in Speaking tests - Essential tips covering common question and task types in speaking tests.
Essay Writing - Why is essay writing so hard? Join this webinar to understand the challenges of essay writing and enhance your students’ writing skills.
Teaching the test - Standardised tests play a significant role in assessing students’ knowledge, skills and readiness for various educational milestones. As educators, our responsibility is to prepare students not only for the content but also for the unique format and demand of these tests. In this webinar, we explore practical teaching strategies to help students succeed in standardised assessments.
Working in the Primary Classroom - Teaching young children is a dynamic and rewarding endeavour that shapes their learning experiences and lays the foundation for their future. Whether in formal classrooms, homeschooling environments, or community programs, educators play a crucial role in nurturing young minds. In this webinar we explore key strategies for effective teaching of children.
Teaching the citizens of tomorrow - Teaching citizenship in the classroom is crucial for several reasons. It is an integral part of the social-emotional learning and character education. By emphasizing good citizenship, we encourage the future generation to positively contribute to their community. Ultimately teaching good citizenship cultivates kindness, empathy, and a sense of ownership, empowering students to play an active role in their school, community and beyond. Join this webinar and find out more.
Educating the heart and the mind – sharing values - Teaching values in the classroom is essential for several reasons. It helps students learn and practice healthy attitudes and behaviors, such as respect, honesty and kindness. When teachers model these values and encourage students to behave similarly, it creates a positive and supportive learning environment. Join this webinar to find out more about how to educate the heart as well as the mind.
Developing classroom routines - Classroom routines play a crucial role in any learning environment. They provide structure and clarity for both teachers and students, fostering an atmosphere of consistency and security. When students know what to expect and understand, there teachers’ expectations, they can focus on their learning without unnecessary worry about rules and procedures. Join this webinar to find out more about classroom activities.
Five minute games for every lesson - Games add variation to lessons and increase motivation by making the target language immediately useful and engaging for students. They often feature recurring themes, reinforcing vocabulary and phrases, lessening anxiety, encourage participation, and improve self-confidence as there’s no fear of punishment for mistakes. Let’s play some great games together.
Promoting intercultural learning - Intercultural learning is understood as a process of becoming more culturally conscious and respectful of the differences that make up today’s global world. In this webinar we will examine the concept of intercultural learning and how can be promoted in the language classroom.
Teacher and student well-being - Prioritizing teacher and student well-being is crucial for several reasons. When teachers experience higher levels of well-being, they enjoy their work more, leading to increased job satisfaction. Additionally, stronger teacher-student relationships are fostered, resulting in better communication and support.
APTIS - Aptis is an innovative global English assessment tool developed by the British Council. It tests reading, writing, listening and speaking skills in organizations or institutions. Whether you need to assess language competency at higher levels (CEFR B1-C2) or validate English standards, Aptis provides reliable results for better decision-making.
Presenter: Cliff Parry, British Council Teaching Operations Manager
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Friday 27 September 2024
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Friday 04 October 2024
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Friday 18 October 2024
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Friday 25 October 2024
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Friday 01 November 2024
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Friday 08 November 2024
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Friday 06 December 2024
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Friday 20 December 2024
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IELTS seminars and webinars
Every year we organise seminars and webinars to support IELTS teachers. Our topics vary and may cover any of the four test components – Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing. They provide teachers with:
- key strategies for success in IELTS
- practical ideas for classroom teaching
- guidelines on marking and assessing candidate performance
- information on the content of the IELTS exam.
IELTS – get started right away: Teaching IELTS offers several benefits for educators. By becoming an IELTS teacher you can develop your English teaching career and enhance your employment prospects. With test centres in over 140 countries, teaching IELTS opens up opportunities to instruct students worldwide as they embark on their IELTS journey. Additionally you’ll have access to a global network of resources and fellow IELTS Teachers.
IELTS overview for beginners: IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is the world’s most popular high-stakes English language test. It assesses four language skills: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Test takers can choose between Academic (for study or work) or General Training (for immigration or professional purposes). Each section focuses on specific skills. IELTS scores range from 0 to 9, with half-band increments. The band scale is consistent worldwide. Find out more about the test and how you can prepare candidates effectively.
IELTS Writing - Task 1: IELTS Writing Task 1 requires candidates to write a summary of at least 150 words in response to visual information. This information is typically presented in the form of a graph, chart, or diagram. Find out more about the test, and how you can prepare candidates effectively. Into
IELTS Writing - Task 2: IELTS Writing Task 2 is the second part of the IELTS writing test. In this task, you are presented with a point of view, argument or problem and your task is to write an essay in response. Find out more about the test and how you can prepare candidates effectively.
IELTS Speaking: The IELTS speaking is an informal face-to-face interview with a certified examiner. It lasts between 11 and 14 minutes and consists of three parts:
- Part 1: You answer questions about yourself and your family
- Part 2: You speak about a given topic introduced by the examiner
- Part 3: You engage in a longer discussion, related to the topic from part 2.
Find out more about how to prepare candidates for each part.
Presenter: Cliff Parry, British Council Teaching Operations Manager
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Webinar |
Friday 11 October 2024
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Friday 01 November 2024
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Friday 06 December 2024
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