A Strategic Partnership to Bring ELT Teacher Training to Brazil
Universidade Gama Filho, Brazil
Masters of Arts, English Language Teaching
The Universidade Gama Filho in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil has a vision to bring university education to students across the country using distance-learning programs and technologies. Looking to expand this mission into the realm of English language instruction, UGF partnered with BridgeTEFL to bring high-quality English teacher training programs, led by experienced, native-speaking trainers directly into Brazilian classrooms via BridgeTEFL’s online platforms.
Industry:
Education
Master of Arts, English Language Teaching
Summary
Recognizing the need for a well-educated populace in order to meet the demands of the global market, the Universidade Gama Filho has set a goal of bringing education to as many Brazilians as possible, using today’s latest online and satellite technologies.
With English language skills being of utmost importance in the global business world, UGF partnered with BridgeTEFL to bring the BCELT English teacher training program to students across Brazil. Via live, online video sessions, the BCELT brings native-English-speaking instructors into Brazilian classrooms, giving students easy and affordable access to an extremely valuable and often expensive resource.
A Well-Designed Partnership
In designing a Master’s program in English Language Teaching, the Universidade Gama Filho wanted a quality training program with native speakers, that would also fit their needs to reach students remotely. They found what they were looking for in the BCELT, Bridge Certificate in English Language Training, which offers the rigorous education of an onsite teacher training course – online.
“We have a graduate course in Spanish Language Instruction with… the largest official Spanish teacher training center in Brazil. We were looking for a partner institute capable of offering the same in English, and we found Bridge to be the most qualified,” said Jose Luis Sanchez, Director at UGF.
“Bridge is very excited to be partnering with UGF to help them provide TESOL training to Brazilian English teachers. We believe in UGF's philosophy of making education accessible to more Brazilians, and we are vey proud to offer quality training in English Language Teaching to non-native speakers of English. It is amazing how technology facilitates accessibility, and this partnership is a great example of how distance is really no longer a barrier to receiving an excellent education,” said Lisa Rooney, Director of BridgeTEFL.
With the BCELT and the partnership with Bridge, Master’s students can now interact with native-speaking, experienced teacher trainers via live video-conferencing sessions, webinars and video observations. Bridge custom designed a seven-module BCELT program according to UGF’s particular needs and standards, which comprises the Teaching Methodology component of the MA English Language Teaching Program (the additional components are Advanced English Language and Using New Technologies). Graduates receive both a Master’s degree diploma from the Ministry of Education of Brazil (MEC) and a certificate from Bridge.
The course consists of both online and face-to-face components. One weekend per month for seven months, students attend in-class instruction, which is reinforced with the online segment via a Moodle-based platform, led by native-speaking expert trainers from the USA and featuring readings and quizzes, in addition to video observations and live video-conferencing sessions.
“Students can attend classes directly on their computers, and participate together with other students who are online at the same time. They can ask questions and [the teacher] will respond at that same moment,” said Sanchez.
In addition to the MA program, Universidade Gama Filho is also offering the regular BCELT course and Bridge’s TEFLonline course “to reach a variety of populations and also to give students the opportunity to earn more prestigious certificates,” according to Sanchez.
Results
The ability to reach students that may not have access to the traditional university classroom due to location, time or work constraints is paramount to UGF’s mission. The partnership with Bridge has allowed UGF to continue and expand this vision by bringing native-speaking English instructors into classrooms, homes and workplaces across the country.
“We are one of the few institutes that deliver distance learning throughout Brazil for courses that are [traditionally] offered onsite in universities. The student can attend live, in any moment, in his or her free time. The format of the BCELT adapts perfectly to this format,” said Sanchez.
“By combining our resources and methodologies, Bridge and UGF can share the most effective language teaching strategies with trainees. By widening our perspectives to include both on-site and online communication and resources, previous distinctions between native and non-native English-speaking teacher training models will diminish. It is an exciting collaboration,” said Susan Weymouth, Curriculum Developer for Bridge.
“[UGF and Bridge] offer a course that is unique in Brazil, with an exceptional team, and with the possibility of attending in person or from a distance [via online coursework],” said Sanchez. “We are combining efforts. Bridge has been professional beyond doubt.”