Originally presented at the IH Academic Managers and Trainers Conference (2024)
To find the full information about the talk, go to http://sandymillin.wordpress.com/ihamt2024
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2024.01.13 Introducing a competency framework for language learning materials IH AMT Sandy Millin.pptx
1. http://sandymillin.wordpress.com/ihamt2024
Introducing a competency framework for
language learning materials writing
Sandy Millin
IH Academic Managers and Trainers Conference (AMT)
13th January 2024
http://sandymillin.wordpress.com/ihamt2024
sandymillin@gmail.com LinkedIn:
14. http://sandymillin.wordpress.com/ihamt2024
CPD for materials writers: in search of a framework
Denise Santos, IATEFL Belfast 2022
https://sandymillin.wordpress.com/2022/05/18/iatefl-belfast-2022-cpd-for-materials-writers-
in-search-of-a-framework-denise-santos/
18. http://sandymillin.wordpress.com/ihamt2024
And published materials…
…develop our teaching (S. Hughes, 2022)
…influence teachers and learners (Burton, 2022: 78)
… support teacher development of language awareness (Andrews, 2007: 107)
…are something which teachers and learners can become subservient to
(Graves, 2019: 338)
22. http://sandymillin.wordpress.com/ihamt2024
My definition of language learning materials
electronic or paper-based resources
with a pedagogic purpose,
designed to be used by teachers and learners
to facilitate language learning,
either teacher-written, published or learner-created
23. http://sandymillin.wordpress.com/ihamt2024
My definition of a competency
a characteristic that is required
for effective performance in a job,
which can be observed in the real world,
measured against accepted standards,
and improved via training and development
24. http://sandymillin.wordpress.com/ihamt2024
My definition of a competency framework
a collection of competencies required
for effective performance in a job,
which can be used by
those connected to that job to
assess current abilities,
identify gaps,
and plan future professional development
34. http://sandymillin.wordpress.com/ihamt2024
Using the framework
as a trainer
Creating a training course on
producing better quality materials
Possible areas to focus on a course:
• Understanding individual learners (1.1 A)
• Understanding skills (1.2 B-F)
• Activity design (2.2)
• Sequencing materials (2.3)
• Providing variety and balance (2.4)
• Clarity & Checking their work (3.1 A and B)
35. http://sandymillin.wordpress.com/ihamt2024
Using the framework
as a manager
Putting together a materials development team
• Decide which competencies are needed based
on framework
• Ask potential members to audit their knowledge,
skills and abilities
• Use audit to select team members
• Look for training to fill any gaps
36. http://sandymillin.wordpress.com/ihamt2024
Using the framework
as a teacher
Choosing areas for CPD
• Choose an area you’re interested in
• Choose a competency to focus on
• Talk to colleagues to learn about how they do it
• Conduct related action research
• Look for information and training to fill the gap
40. http://sandymillin.wordpress.com/ihamt2024
References
Framework links are on relevant slides
Andrews, S. (2007). Teacher language awareness. Cambridge University Press
Burton, G. (2022). ‘Selecting language for materials writing.’ In J. Norton & H. Buchanan (Eds.), The
Routledge Handbook of Materials Development for Language Teaching (pp. 78–92). Routledge
Clandfield, L., & Hughes, J. (2017). ETpedia: Materials Writing - 500 ideas for creating English language
materials. Pavilion Publishing and Media Ltd
Graves, K. (2019). ‘Recent books on language materials development and analysis.’ ELT Journal, 73(3),
337–354. https://doi.org/10.1093/elt/ccz026
Hughes, S. H. (2022). ‘Coursebook materials as a tool for professional development: A perspective from
publishing.’ In J. Norton & H. Buchanan (Eds.), The Routledge Handbook of Materials Development for
Language Teaching (pp. 488–510). Routledge
Mishan, F., & Timmis, I. (2015). Materials development for TESOL. Edinburgh University Press
41. http://sandymillin.wordpress.com/ihamt2024
Introducing a competency framework for
language learning materials writing
Sandy Millin
IH Academic Managers and Trainers Conference (AMT)
13th January 2024
http://sandymillin.wordpress.com/ihamt2024
sandymillin@gmail.com LinkedIn:
Editor's Notes
After showing all 4 – stand up if you’ve used any of those 4 frameworks
A bit different, as a framework for CPD rather than a competency framework – Denise’s question was my inspiration
Little to no training or guidance
Reliance on trial and error
“Ultimately, materials influence learning both directly through teachers’ and learners’ use of them and indirectly through the way their teachers learn about language and are influenced to teach by materials they use.”
…so why rely on trial and error?!
If you want to develop your skills, much better served now than 30 years ago
Associations like MATSDA, IATEFL MaWSIG, BRAZ-TESOL MaWSIG, Materials Writers section of TESOL international
Books: Etpedia materials writing, ELT Teacher 2 Writer
Courses: MA courses like the NILE module I did, general access like John and Kath’s course
That’s where my framework comes in…helps you choose what to focus on in your own development of materials writing, or your support of others
It’s a first draft, so feedback please!
3 colour-coded sections
What knowledge do you need to inform your writing?
What practical skills do you need for the actual writing of language learning materials?
What other skills do you need, which may go beyond the writing itself?
Each section is subdivided into categories
15 categories in total
Each category is divided into subcategories (This is the only example I’ll give – for others see the full framework)
14 subcategories in background knowledge
24 in creating materials
18 in professional skills
Then you have the actual competences, all as ‘can do’ statements
Grey = links to the glossary at the end of the document
Up to 11 competencies in each subcategory, though most have 3-6 – not sure how many in total!
From 2.4 Providing variety and balance
From 3.1 Writing skills
7 examples of use cases at the start of the framework