Format of the teacher training reference manual

This Teacher Training Reference Manual is designed to help Volunteers to carry out their assignments by supplying a useful and accessible resource for those involved in teacher training. The Manual is designed to be used with the Teacher Training Guide that accompanies it. The Teacher Training Manual provides the Volunteer with a source of detailed information while the Teacher Training Guide gives the Volunteer a model for how the information can be applied to an actual training program (see the Introduction to the Training Guide for a more detailed description of the levels of training addressed).

The Teacher Training Reference Manual consists of three major parts: an introduction, three content chapters, and an appendix. The first, this Introduction to the Manual, gives the Peace Corps Volunteer an idea of why teacher training is an important development strategy and discusses the different ways in which this manual can be used.

Chapter 1, What a Teacher Trainer Needs to Know, prepares the Peace Corps Volunteer for his/her role as a trainer of teachers by discussing:

° Differences between the educational system of their host country and that of the United States

° The whys and hows of conducting a needs assessment

° Adult learning styles

° Steps and considerations in designing training programs for teachers

° Training techniques

° Supervision and observation techniques

° Final Considerations

Chapter 2, What a Teacher Needs to Know, is meant to guide any teacher through some of the important aspects of teaching that affect both how the teacher prepares to teach (before class) and how he/she actually conducts a class (in class). These aspects include:

° Models of teaching

° Child and adolescent learning

° Instructional objectives

° Lesson and unit planning

° Classroom teaching techniques

° Materials development and resource utilization

° Classroom management ° Student assessment

° Self-evaluation and improvement

This chapter is designed to be used either:

- as refresher material for Volunteers who need a quick reminder of the issues involved in effective teaching, or

- as content reference material for actual teacher training sessions.

The third chapter of the Manual: Collaboration, discusses support and networking issues that are important for the host country teacher, the teacher trainer, and also the Peace Corps Volunteer teacher. These include:

° Formal and informal channels to tap human and material resources,

° Specific collaborations skills:

- Organization
- Communication Feedback and critiquing
- Working in groups
- Networking

Each chapter and section of the Manual presents theoretical and practical information for the trainer or teacher to consider. This information is followed by an ACTIVITY BOX that is designed to help the trainer or teacher trainee apply the ideas presented in the section. In some cases this involves reflection or application of ideas presented, in other cases it addresses adaptation of those ideas to the cultural context in which the trainer/teacher finds him/herself. In general, this format is meant to help the reader apply and adapt the generic information presented in this Manual to their specific situation. The second chapter contains boxes that highlight points For the Teacher Trainer to note. Since the information provided is often brief and merely an overview of a given topic, References have been provided at the end of most sections for the individual who would like a more detailed presentation of a given topic.

The Appendix contains a collection of full-sized forms (Observation charts, Lesson Plan formats, etc.) that the trainer can distribute to teachers during a training session or use him herself. Also included is a List of Charts and Illustrations that can be found throughout the Manual.