The LPATE Training Courses: An Initiative to Improve Teacher Language Proficiency

Abstract

This chapter serves as an introduction to the LPATE training courses initiated by the HKSAR Government to provide in-service teachers of English with developmental and proficiency programmes. The current chapter provides a theoretical foundation highlighting the necessity for teacher professional development through training courses . This chapter then outlines the LPATE training courses provided for in-service teachers in Hong Kong between 2001 and 2005. Various modules put on by different course providers and the details of information on these modules are provided, including purpose of the training courses , the number of trainees enrolled and the attainment rate across different institutions. The chapter ends with remarks from trainees to illustrate how the training courses were perceived by course takers.

Appendix: Course Providers’ Course Descriptions

Course provider	Course description
The Hong Kong Baptist University	This course aims to provide opportunities for participants to enhance, in each of the four skills areas, the competence that they need in order to function most effectively as teachers of English. It will be offered on a part-time basis, over a period of 15 weeks, in evening and (for some modules) Saturday mornings. In Speaking and Writing, applicants may choose between two alternative modules; these cover the same syllabus but the modules with more contact time provide additional input and further practice for teachers who feel that they would benefit from it. Applicants may choose to take individual modules
The Hong Kong Institute of Education	This programme is designed to support serving English language teachers in further developing their proficiency in the use of professional and academic English by taking them to recognised level of competence. This is achieved through in-depth focus on the characteristics and use of the four fundamental language skills in the context of English language teaching . The programme is modular in design comprising and integrated professional upgrading. It builds on the foundations of teachers’ professional knowledge and practical skills, enriching their knowledge base and introducing them to further applications hereby enhancing their professionalism as fully qualified English language educators
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University	The modular offering at the Centre for Professional and Business English is designed to target the individual skills of Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing and Classroom Language Assessment . They are designed to be flexible, so that teachers can fit them in around their busy timetables. The individual modules are thematically based around the common educational concerns of Hong Kong teachers and authentic materials have been drawn from sources such as the Hong Kong media and educational journal articles. The language skills development work is task-based, and it is hope that teachers will find the modules relevant, enjoyable and helpful in their work as English language teachers in Hong Kong schools
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology	The course aims at enhancing participants’ proficiency in English with reference to their specific needs as teachers of English. An important focus of the course is on equipping participants with skills which are readily transferable to their teaching contexts. Through face-to-face training and online learning, participants will have opportunities to deepen their understanding of key concepts, master essential skills, and reflect on their professional practice in the light of evaluation and feedback by themselves, their peer and experts in the related language areas. The synergy between face-to-face training and distance learning will further raise the effectiveness of learning as well as establish strong rapport between trainer and participants and among participants
The City University of Hong Kong	The course is designed for in-service secondary school teachers of English and comprises five modules (Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing, Classroom Language) which can be taken as a package or individually. The courses aims at promote participants’ language and professional skills mainly but not exclusively with reference to the Hong Kong classroom. Modules are designed and delivered by sympathetic, qualified tutors who have local and international teacher training experience
Lingnan University	This is a tailor-made English Language enhancement course for serving primary and secondary teachers of English. Participants will also be assisted to meet the language proficiency requirement set by the HKSAR Government . The objectives of the courses are for participants to: (a) develop English language oral and written communication skills and gain confidence in using English in and outside classroom; (b) engage in ongoing language skills enhancement; (c) have models for and actively develop professionalism in language teaching practice; and (d) meet or exceed the basic language proficiency level for teaching English in primary and secondary classrooms There will be an emphasis on expert instruction, reflection, self-development and communicative activities in a relaxed and enjoyable environment with maximum flexibility. The course materials have been specifically tailor-made and will include topical Hong Kong issues
The Chinese University of Hong Kong	This programme is designed to develop the English language skills of teachers of English in Hong Kong in order that participants can meet, and go beyond, the minimum acceptable level of language abilities as determined by the Advisory Committee on Teacher Education and Qualifications This programme will provide instruction in the essential language skills which teachers of English require in order to be effective in the classroom and in their general educational setting. While raising levels of language proficiency to meet the established standards, it will also equip the participants with subject content knowledge and enhanced language awareness , thus enriching the professional and personal development of English language teachers
The British Council	The English Language Enhancement Course for Teachers (ELECT) consists of five free-standing modules that cover the requirement of Hong Kong Government’s Language Proficiency Assessment for Teachers. The methodology is communicative and task-based. The modules are for teachers already close to the language proficiency requirement . Assessment is through three pieces of work, spread throughout the period of study. The exit assessment is over 50% of the overall assessment. Successful candidates meet official government requirement
University of Queensland	The English for TESOL professional purpose course is designed to enhance the English language proficiency and accuracy skills of teachers, while at the same time offering insights into creative and innovative methodology appropriate for teaching English to students in the Hong Kong school system The course, with classes delivered in Hong Kong and Australia, provides opportunities for participating teachers to build up their motivation and confidence to enable them to completely use English in the classroom and in their professional interactions. It will also focus on the intensive development of English language communicative competence and fluency in the four macro-skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing
Queensland University of Technology	The TESOL Unit in the University has an established record of excellence in second language teacher training and research with many years’ experience in training teachers from all over the world, including many from Hong Kong. The 8-week full-time course offers participants the opportunities to go beyond the language proficiency requirement . The course will allow participants to broaden their language skills, to deepen their knowledge of the cultural understandings and contexts relevant to English language teaching and to enjoy the enriching experience of life both at an Australia university and with Australia family