Developing Effective French Language Educators in Malta
University of Malta’s Commitment to Continuous Professional Development
The University of Malta (UM) continues to demonstrate its dedication to fostering excellence in education by providing Continuous Professional Development (CPD) training opportunities for teachers. Recently, UM lecturers conducted a specialized workshop for Church School teachers of French in Malta, focusing on enhancing their teaching skills and classroom practices. This initiative underscores the University’s commitment to supporting educators and strengthening the quality of French language education in the country. The training was held at the Valletta Design Cluster and was specifically designed to address the needs of French language educators in Church Schools.
Refining Questioning Strategies for Enhanced Language Acquisition
The CPD training featured two insightful sessions led by experienced UM academics. Dr. Anne-Marie Bezzina Busuttil, Head of the Department of French at the Faculty of Arts, presented a corpus-based analysis of how teachers’ questioning techniques can significantly influence student responses in foreign language classrooms. Her presentation highlighted the importance of effective elicitation strategies to encourage meaningful interaction and language acquisition.
Practical Workshop on Questioning Techniques
Following Dr. Bezzina Busuttil’s presentation, Ms. Anna Scicluna, Coordinator of French within the Department of Languages and Humanities at the Faculty of Education, led a practical workshop on questioning strategies. Participants engaged in hands-on activities designed to refine their ability to balance and sequence different types of questions, including display, referential, and probing questions. The workshop emphasized the use of probing questions to prompt learners to produce more elaborate and cognitively challenging responses, ultimately promoting deeper understanding and language fluency. Ms. Scicluna provided model examples and guided teachers in applying these techniques to real-world classroom scenarios.
The University of Malta: A Leader in Educator Training
Investing in the Future of Education
This recent CPD training for Church School teachers of French exemplifies the University of Malta’s ongoing investment in the professional development of educators. By providing opportunities for teachers to enhance their skills and knowledge, UM contributes significantly to raising the overall standard of education in Malta. The University’s commitment to equipping educators with the necessary tools and techniques for effective teaching ensures that students receive a high-quality learning experience.
A Collaborative Approach to Teacher Development
The collaboration between the University of Malta and the Secretariat for Catholic Education highlights the importance of partnerships in fostering educational excellence. By working together, these institutions can effectively address the specific needs of educators and provide targeted training programs that have a direct impact on classroom practice and student learning outcomes. This collaborative approach strengthens the entire educational ecosystem in Malta.
Empowering Educators, Inspiring Students
The University of Malta’s CPD training program empowers French language teachers in Church Schools with effective questioning techniques and evidence-based pedagogical approaches. By continuously investing in the professional development of its educators, the University of Malta reinforces its position as a leading institution in teacher training and strengthens its commitment to shaping the future of education in Malta. This commitment to providing high-quality CPD opportunities ensures that Malta’s educators remain at the forefront of innovative teaching practices and continue to inspire generations of learners.
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