Erasmus+ General English Language Training – ETC01 – 04

This 2-week English Language Training is of significant benefit to non-native speakers of English who

• Are required to teach English or a subject through English, e.g. CLIL teachers
• Need to work on projects, exchange programmes or committees with an international dimension
• Need to liaise with English-speaking colleagues or parents of their students
• Need to undertake research or take part in conferences or seminars which will contribute to their professional development and the overall good of their school

The aims of this course are:

• To develop and consolidate participants’ language skills by enhancing overall competency in General English language usage in a multi-national environment
• To enhance communication in English between teachers and students in their schools
• To enhance participants competence in communicating and sharing of knowledge and experiences at International conferences and training courses where English is used for at least some of the sessions
• To enhance teachers competence in reading and understanding professional articles and journals which are published in English
• To promote awareness of Irish history and culture

Alpha College classes cover all the language skills – speaking, listening, reading and writing as well as pronunciation, vocabulary and grammar activities.  Syllabi are composed of three main areas- course book material, a weekly project and supplementary material based on students’ needs. The rationale behind the syllabus is for students to get practice in producing real life English in their specific context of learning English in Ireland.

There is a strong focus on developing effective communication skills in class and students work on strategies and language for initiating and maintaining discussion, making suggestions, agreeing and disagreeing, and expressing and justifying opinions on a wide range of topics, depending on their level. Students can expect to receive focused feedback and teachers will supplement lessons according to the specific needs of the students in class. Evaluation of students’ needs, the setting of learning objectives, and giving constructive feedback on learner outcomes are core features of the pedagogical approach at Alpha College.

Class work includes individual, pair and group work, discussions, debates, project work, presentations, written tasks and listening exercises.  Each week a project topic is introduced to the class and students present their project work to the class at the end of the week.

The overriding goal of the afternoon modules is enhanced fluency development so syllabi have been developed which include communicative activities taken from a range of sources as well as activities based on authentic materials, with an emphasis on speaking and listening. The teacher focuses on students’ output rather than on presenting new language in general and each module is designed to give students regular opportunities to give presentations on the module topic or on a corresponding aspect of their own lives, interests, or job/career specifications

This is a 2-week course which may be taken in one of 3 formats:

ETC01 Standard: 20 morning lessons per week  (All levels.  Beginner level on 01/07/2019 and 22/07/2019 only)

ETC02 Intensive: mornings + 5 x 50 minute p.m. lessons over 2 afternoons per week (Minimum level A2+/preBI) or

ETC04 Super-intensive:  mornings + 10 x 50 minute p.m. lessons over 4 afternoons per week (Minimum level A2+/preBI).

On the final day of the course, the participants engage in a reflection session in which they are encouraged to examine benefits gained from the course and complete a course evaluation form. The Alpha trainers are available for follow-up advice and support at all times.

To make application for Erasmus+ funding for this course or any of our other in-service training courses for teachers please visit your National Agency website for full information on the application process.

Alpha College has a staff of highly qualified, experienced and motivated teacher trainers. They are also practising teachers of English, experienced in using up-to-date methods with learners at all levels of language learning. In addition Alpha College has been providing in-service training courses for teachers from overseas for the last 18 years.

As a result of the most recent 2-day EAQUALS inspection the Inspectors identified points of excellence in the following categories:

• Management and Administration
• Client Services
• Teaching and Learning
• Staff Profile and Development
• Course Design and Supporting Systems
• Internal Communications
• Assessment and Certification
• External Communications
• Academic Resources

Programme including materials; excursions and activities as outlined in the programme

Host family accommodation; single room; half board

Student Self Catering Accommodation; (July & August and limited availability in June).
Single room with private bathroom; shared kitchen/living room.
5 minutes on foot from Alpha College and from city centre.