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The Role of Language Teacher Associations in Professional Development pp 71–86Cite as

Teacher Development Through Language Teacher Associations: Lessons from Africa

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Part of the book series: Second Language Learning and Teaching ((SLLT))

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. Although the 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 and external 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.

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References

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Texas A&M University at Qatar, Doha, Qatar

    Aymen Elsheikh

  2. Qatar University, Doha, Qatar

    Okon Effiong

Authors
  1. Aymen Elsheikh
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  2. Okon Effiong
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Aymen Elsheikh .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Liberal Arts Program, Texas A&M University at Qatar, Doha, Qatar

    Aymen Elsheikh

  2. General Education, HCT—Dubai Men’s College, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    Christine Coombe

  3. English Foundation Program, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar

    Okon Effiong

Appendix

Appendix

Questionnaire

The questionnaire below was shared electronically among affiliate members in Africa and hard copies shared among delegates who attended the 2017 CAMELTA conference in Cameroon.

  • How often do you participate in professional development activities a year?

    • Once, twice, three time, more than three times, I don’t participate at all.

  • If you have participated in professional development activities before, these were organized by:

    • Government, my school/institution, private organizations, other: _____________

Please indicate which of the following events you have attended:

Africa TESOL 1st Conference/My Local Affiliate Conference/Regional Conference/International Conference

Based on the event you attended, please indicate whether you strongly agree (SA), agree (A), disagree (D), strongly disagree (SD), or not applicable (NA) to the following statements:

  1. (1)

    The timing of the conference was convenient

  2. (2)

    The location of the conference was convenient

  3. (3)

    The venue of the conference was suitable for the event

  4. (4)

    The presentations given were valuable

  5. (5)

    The plenary sessions were valuable

  6. (6)

    The concurrent sessions and workshop were beneficial

  7. (7)

    The themes and topics discussed were suitable to my professional development needs

  8. (8)

    The themes and topics discussed help to gain more practical knowledge about ELT

  9. (9)

    The themes and topics discussed help with my research

  10. (10)

    I had the opportunity to obtain practical materials I could use in my teaching

  11. (11)

    I increased my knowledge and understanding of current best practices in ELT

  12. (12)

    I asked questions during the presentation that I attended

  13. (13)

    I answered questions based on my knowledge and teaching context

  14. (14)

    I networked and met professionals from my country

  15. (15)

    I networked and met professionals from other countries

  16. (16)

    I followed up with people I met at the conference for further professional development purposes

  17. (17)

    After attending this event, I know what I need to work more on to grow professionally and as a person

  18. (18)

    I would attend Africa TESOL conference if held in my country

  19. (19)

    I would attend Africa TESOL conference if held in another country

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Elsheikh, A., Effiong, O. (2018). Teacher Development Through Language Teacher Associations: Lessons from Africa. In: Elsheikh, A., Coombe, C., Effiong, O. (eds) The Role of Language Teacher Associations in Professional Development. Second Language Learning and Teaching. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-00967-0_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-00967-0_6

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-00966-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-00967-0

  • eBook Packages: EducationEducation (R0)

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