“The British Council has provided me valuable help in this and other training I have received from them. Therefore, I consider that it will bring many tools and qualified personnel to support the process with new strategies and resources that have been effective in other institutions around the world” - Teacher participating in the Inspiring Teachers programme.
Life cycle
2020 to 2021
Country/Region
Colombia
Client/Partner
National Ministry of Education Colombia
Vision
The Inspiring Teachers and ELT Influencers programme is a strategic partnership between the British Council and Colombia's National Education Ministry, designed to enhance the teaching skills of English educators across the country. By improving English proficiency among students, the programme aims to equip Colombia's youth with the tools to succeed in a globalised world.
Situation
English language education in Colombia faced significant challenges, including outdated teaching methods, inadequate formative assessment practices, and limited access to digital learning tools. These issues hindered teachers' effectiveness and students' language acquisition, particularly in areas like English for tourism. To address these gaps, the programme provided targeted consultancy, training, and the Be (the) 1 English Learning app, aiming to enhance the skills of 1,200 teachers through Inspiring Teachers and reach 530 teachers and 18,000 students through ELT Influencers and Gamification.
Implementation
The programme was implemented across secondary schools in all regions of Colombia, focusing on empowering English teachers with modern teaching methodologies. Teachers received comprehensive training aimed at equipping them with the latest tools to enhance their instructional skills and address gaps in their knowledge. Additionally, they were provided with access to the Be (the) 1: Challenge app, a gamified learning tool designed to motivate both teachers and students. Rooted in gamification theory, the app aimed to foster a deeper commitment to the learning process, with the hypothesis that this approach would yield short, medium, and long-term benefits in language acquisition and skill development.
Impact
The programme had a significant impact on the participating teachers and their students. Teachers trained under the initiative emerged as pedagogical leaders within their institutions, demonstrating a strong sense of ownership and agency over the new methodologies and techniques they had acquired. They became proficient in designing learning guides, conducting formative assessments, and effectively utilizing the Be (the) 1: Challenge app as a learning tool, which they integrated into their classrooms to enhance student outcomes. As a result, students showed marked improvement in their performance, with significant gains in post-test exams and an average score of 50/100 in diagnostic and exit assessments. Additionally, teachers enhanced their ability to teach English with specific purposes and initiated projects that extended beyond the classroom, promoting cultural and linguistic exchanges aligned with global standards. This not only enriched the students' learning experience but also fostered a deeper connection to the English language and its cultural context.
Mutual benefit
The programme created significant benefits for both Colombia and the UK. In Colombia, it enhanced teaching practices, facilitated English learning, and underscored the importance of cultural and linguistic exposure. Teachers have embraced the Be (the) 1 app and formative assessment practices, with over 282,000 downloads reflecting its impact. This collaboration strengthened the British Council’s reputation as a trusted partner, leaving a lasting positive legacy in Colombia's education system. For the UK, the programme highlighted the value of English in a globalised world and reinforced strong educational ties between the two nations.