Summer holidays are often cherished moments for teachers and learners, especially in regular schools. In language institutes, the scenario is usually different, as many students enroll for intensive courses. In any case, it is not the ordinary school term and it may be a time for teachers to work on their own development. Here are some ideas for professional development when the school is (or isn’t) out:
- Teach
Teaching an intensive course is an opportunity of building a positive learning atmosphere and learning about teaching and its impact on the learners. Most of the people who enroll for such courses are motivated and eager to learn. Regardless of their reasons for studying during the holidays, they will engage in activities proposed and possibly perceive learning more easily as results are a month away from the beginning of the course to those who dedicate time to the course. You may also want to engage in a short-term action research and learn from the insights you have when teaching the intensive course. It can be easier to carry the project through the course, as you will possibly have fewer students and groups to teach. Do take advantage of that fact to boost your own skills and awareness of teaching.
- Study
Sometimes, taking a month away from the teaching role and learning something knew brings a fresh look at your own teaching. There are plenty of online courses you may take if you can study on your own. There are also face-to-face courses for teachers – near you or abroad if you wish to study in a more diverse classroom. Also, you may want to read books about the language, teaching and set up a study group with your colleagues to discuss ideas and share what you learn. Another suggestion is learning a foreign language in the intensive mode. It may give you insight on how to better help your learners later and help you put learning and teaching in perspective to start the following semester with a fresher look on your own students.
- Reflect
Look back at the past term and assess the results, your improvement as a teacher, your learners’ progress and reasons for the outcomes. You may share your assessment with your peers and learn from each other as well. Reflect on lessons that went well and lessons that didn’t and use the information to improve your awareness of your own strengths as a teacher and priorities for development.
- Plan
Using the time off school to plan for the following term helps starting the term in an organised manner – plan your priorities for the semester, when you are going to plan lessons, correct students’ work, set tests, communicate with learners and organise your materials in advance. This may help you start the semester lighter and prevent midterm burnout. It is also important to plan how you will manage your time – not only at work, but also time to rest, exercise and spend time with friends and family.
- Recharge
If you do not have to work during summer holidays, there is nothing wrong with taking the time to rest, travel, and do things that are completely unrelated to work. Quality teaching demands energy and commitment; relaxing and recharging is absolutely necessary for teachers who want to develop a long and happy career.
Enjoy your holidays!
