Developing teacher language awareness via in-service training : trainers’ beliefs

Abstract

TLA is deemed a significant component of practitioners’ professional competence. Fifteen years ago van Lier (2001: 164) predicted that ‘Two particular areas that should gain in strength are concerted and integrative approaches to language awareness across the curriculum, and a strong push for language awareness in teacher education.’ In Malta a consolidated effort towards the achievement of the latter target started being undertaken only recently, the intention being that of eventually attaining the former through the mobilization of a more effective cadre of language teachers. At the start of the 2014-2015 scholastic year a group of teachers working within the primary and secondary sectors benefited from an in-service course aimed at developing their language awareness. All Year 3 and Forms 3-5 English teachers working in state schools in the country participated in this course. It was also attended by a number of teachers working in church schools. In total, 120 primary teachers and 112 secondary teachers attended the course. The course was geared towards enhancing teachers’ knowledge about grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.