STEP (Strengthening Teacher English Proficiency)
The STEP teacher training programme, which is currently being implemented in five norther Nigerian states, and aims to improve English Proficiency, classroom English and teaching methodology.
The programme offers a 60 hour self-study course, STEP, divided into 20 units of study for teachers to complete one unit of study per week. It is based on a largely self-managed study resource methodology, which takes into account the limited time available for teachers to attend face-to-face (F2F) training and allowing the flexibility for teachers to access the materials where and when it suits them. Teachers are also supported by peer mentoring groups led by a teacher mentor and further supported by head teachers. The training programme for teachers in STEP is adapted to take into account the language levels and needs of teachers and uses print and audio learning materials. Simple tools are included for teachers to record the amount of time and degree of engagement with the study package in order to support a self-managed approach to CPD and foster a sense of autonomy. The audio materials are available on SD cards and enable teachers to access audio resources on their mobile phones.
“I have learnt to use warmers to make my lessons interesting. I am determined to include some of the activities in my lessons. To be more learnercentred in my teaching, I intend to adopt many grouping styles.”
STRIDE (Stimulating Teacher Resourcefulness in Digital Education)
The Course provides basic digital skills training for primary and secondary teachers and comprises of two days (10 hours) with either face-to-face or online delivery.
Key objectives of the course is that, by the end of the course, participants know how to:
• Get the most out of their internet connection
• Search online effectively
• Find images online that they can legally use in worksheets/slides
• Use keyboard shortcuts to work with digital documents
• Work with images in digital documents
• Save and share documents with learners online
• Create digital documents and slides from scratch
• Create and use simple spreadsheets
“I learnt more about preparing and presenting lectures online (especially via powerpoint, spreadsheet and storing information to the cloud to share the task!)”
STRIDE Participant
SPRINT (Supporting Pedagogical Rigour in Networked Teaching)
This is a sequel to the STRIDE course and aims to develops primary and secondary teachers’ online teaching skills, primarily in teaching via WhatsApp. The training is provided online, and combines trainer support with self-study. There are six modules (40 hours) which are taken over a period of six weeks with the following key objectives for its trainee teachers:
• A deeper understanding of online teaching and online teacher presence
• Learn how to structure a WhatsApp live lesson and understood the principles that underpin it
• Explore strategies for effective synchronous and asynchronous work
• Consider how to help their learners become more independent
• Explore how to support collaborative and inclusive learning
• Consider gender-sensitive teaching strategies
• Explore the principles of blended learning
• Consider how to track their learners’ progress online and how to involve parents/guardians in this
• Explore effective online correction, feedback and assessment.
“The course was timely, practical and concise and thoroughly enhanced my knowledge of organising blended learning.”
SPRINT Participant
STEP STRIDE AND SPRINT is delivered by the British Council through partnerships with the Federal Ministry of Education (FMoE) in Nigeria, State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEB) and National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE).
