Earlier this month, Edinburgh College, working in partnership with the British Council in Turkey, hosted 22 English language teachers for a two-week mentor training course aimed at developing the teaching practice of participants and preparing them to take on leading roles in the development of English language teaching in Turkey upon their return to the country.

The Continuous Professional Development course was the first stage of a joint pilot under the Ministry of National Education’s Vision 2023 reform and British Council’s Future English programme aimed at improving the quality of teacher training and professional development systems for teachers of English in Turkey.

The purpose of the first stage of the programme – the course delivered by Edinburgh College – was to train the 22 Turkish master mentor trainers who would return home equipped to plan and deliver a high-quality mentor training programme nationwide. Together with UK trainers, the mentors will deliver two-week’ face-to-face training to 150 teachers, with the aim of reaching – and providing tools for continuing professional development to – 2,400 English language teachers within two years as part of the second phase of the programme.

The course included sessions on technology to enhance learning, creating effective teacher Continuous Professional Networks, course and session design, setting aims, objectives and planning training sessions, and giving effective feedback.

During their time in Edinburgh, participants stayed in homestay accommodation and also took part in a social and cultural programme. As part of this programme, they visited attractions in Edinburgh including Edinburgh Castle, the National Gallery and the National Museum and also travelled further afield to St Andrews, the Kelpies, Callander and Loch Katrine.

At the end of the course, Dr. Adnan Boyaci, Director General for Teacher Training and Development of Turkish Ministry of National Education and Ayşen Güven, Director Education of British Council in Turkey visited Edinburgh College to meet with participants and to discuss the programme with College staff.

During the Certification ceremony Dr. Adnan Boyaci said: “The Ministry’s 2023 Education Vision signifies the importance of foreign language education and improving the quality of teacher training by applying modern professional development systems. We are working with the British Council to create a sustainable and effective system.”

Ayşen Güven said: “We are delighted to have been working with Edinburgh College on this important project which ultimately aims to reach all 80,000 English teachers in Turkey. The Turkish teachers’ stay in Edinburgh not only helped them to become better mentors, but also gave them a fantastically rich cultural experience.”

Edinburgh College Head of Commercial Development Jane Grant said “It was an honour for the College to be involved at such a crucial stage in this ambitious programme. The success of this course demonstrates Edinburgh College’s ability to provide high-quality teacher training and mentor training courses to international clients. We hope to strengthen our ties with Turkey and continue to be involved in this programme in the future.”