The recent Thursday, September 6th 2007 curriculum training event at Smith’s School of English Kyobashi head office was a huge success. This one was set on a weekday in the morning to accommodate those who have other obligations during our regularly scheduled weekend events. It was attended by a tight, focused group of both people new to the system who were looking to cement their recent training and by seasoned veterans who were there to both review their own training and support those new comers. Participation by all was greatly appreciated by me on both a professional and personal level: Thank you all!
We schedule various events here at Smith’s School of English head office ranging from marketing meeting for school owners, to training events for coaches, to parties for students…. OK, the parties aren’t just intended for the students; we get in there and have some fun too! This Particular event was unique not only in that it strictly curriculum focused, but it also fell on a weekday in the morning hours. We realize that English school owners and coaches work hard all week and don’t always have the weekend free to come talk about English school matters. In order to make ourselves at head office as available as is possible we are sure to provide some time on the weekdays as well outside regular office hours. The weekday morning seminars are not attended by as many, but I could really tell that those who did make it a point to come appreciated the alternate time.
Throughout the 2 hour session we focused on Smith’s School of English Routines for in the regular classroom and then level assessment during the trial lesson. Through experience and constant input and co-operation from coaches and school owners throughout Smith’s English Schools these lesson processes have been refined to the last detail.
What do I do in situation X?
How can I help the student understand what I expect of him/her efficiently?
How can I expand this exercise to fit the needs of each individual student?
We discussed questions such as these after going over the standard training to the satisfaction of all in attendance. I was happy to see that new comers felt more confident about Routines and level assessment, and veterans said they enjoyed solidifying their classroom technique as well. I guess even professionals see value in polishing their technique and continuing to improve. Come to think of it, I guess that’s a natural part of being a professional.
We broke up right on time at 12 noon as most in attendance needed to be back at their respective schools for evening classes. I myself was getting ready to open up the Kyobashi School. It was a nice productive start to a good day. Some might say it was nothing spectacular. No buffet table or power point presentations, just some Smith’s coaches and school owners getting together and talking curriculum and classroom technique. However, when I see people in this school system coming in on their own time to provide better service and improve themselves, I see it as nothing less than spectacular. Great job guys and thank you again for coming.
See you next seminar!
-Gavin
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