Teacher Development Through Language Teacher Associations: Lessons from Africa Chapter uri icon

abstract

  • This chapter reports on a study which investigated the role of Africa TESOL and its affiliates in providing for and improving the continuous professional development of teachers in their constituencies. A survey and interviews were conducted to ascertain how beneficial attending professional development events are. Findings from the survey suggest that these events help teachers to develop professionally and improve their teaching overall. Interview data also corroborate the survey findings regarding professional development events. The interview data further indicates that, despite the challenges affiliates have, many still make it possible for teachers to avail themselves of professional development opportunities. The chapter concludes with highlighting the important role Africa TESOL and its affiliates play in their members' professional development. Althoughthe leaders of these associations have a strong sense of community and solidarity, the host of challenges facing them should be identified and overcome through collaboration with internal andexternal bodies, among other means. It is also crucial to develop a research program to shed more light on different aspects and functions of language teacher associations, especially in fragile contexts.

author list (cited authors)

  • Elsheikh, A., & Effiong, O.

citation count

  • 3

complete list of authors

  • Elsheikh, Aymen||Effiong, Okon

editor list (cited editors)

  • Elsheikh, A., Coombe, C., & Effiong, O.

Book Title

  • The Role of Language Teacher Associations in Professional Development

publication date

  • January 2018