The contribution of a training course to improve rural English language teachers' methodological and linguistic skills in Esmeraldas, 2024

Abstract

Tesis presentada previa a la obtención de Magíster en Pedagogía del Inglés como Lengua Extranjera This research project focuses on the enhancement of rural English language education through the upgrading of teachers in Esmeraldas, Ecuador. The primary aim is to evaluate the effectiveness of an innovative didactic material-based training program in improving the methodological and linguistic skills of rural English language teachers. The study addresses the pressing challenges faced by educators in remote areas, such as limited access to resources, professional development opportunities, and resistance to change. By upgrading teachers and providing them with essential training and resources, this research seeks to enhance the quality of English language education in rural communities. The investigation employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative methods to gain a comprehensive understanding of the research topic. The population consists of 20 teachers from various educational institutions in rural communities, with a sample of 10 teachers participating in the upgrading program. The research hypothesis states that implementing a training course based on innovative didactic material will contribute to improve rural English language teachers' methodological and linguistic skills. Data analysis involved techniques such as documentary review, surveys, and classroom observations, and data was processed using Google Forms and Microsoft Excel. This research finally concluded by finding a number of critical deficiencies including restricted access to instructional resources, subpar methods of teaching the language, imprecise English language usage, and a deficiency in the application of English Language Teaching (ELT) techniques.