Eaquals organizes the first online training event
The accreditation body of the international language school Eaquals held its first online training event, welcoming about 1,000 participants for sessions on themes such as pastoral care, crisis management, and online teaching.
Held for two days at the end of October, the event was chaired by Eaquals Executive Director Lou McLaughlin and Justin Quinn, President of the Organization and CEO of the Center of English Studies (CES). They both echoed on the challenges of the year and the effect of Covid-19 on the international education sector.
The programme of the Eaquals Online event included support, training, discussion, and case studies on four axes: pastoral care in times of crisis; crisis management; online teaching and learning; and looking ahead.
Eaquals’ event showcased knowledge and skills within the Eaquals associated, with most Eaquals member speakers keen to share their knowledge and work together to deliver quality teaching and support learning.
Individual sessions at the event included “The well-being of teachers in times of crisis – Dealing with kindness; ” Managing in uncertainty: what to do when we do not know what to do”, and “From emergency distance learning to sustainable online education: dilemmas and solutions.”
Case studies were also offered by members of Eaquals, Ozyegin University School of Languages in Turkey and Lacunza International House San Sebastian in Spain.
All sessions on both days delivered valued information, shared personal experiences and eventually led to an open debate about the complications the language teacher community faces at the moment. In this way, sharing the knowledge among the associated member has permitted to strengthen the support felt within the network and to the #eaqualsfamily.
As stated by Lou McLaughlin “The feedback on the event was very encouraging, and we are satisfied to be able to offer both members and non-members with high-quality training during Eaquals Online event when it is most needed. We were pleased to announce the next Eaquals online accreditation programme during our AGM and look forward to the official launch in 2021.”
Eaquals’ next annual international conference will be held in Belfast from 22 to 24 April next year.
Eaquals members teach in more than 25 languages in more than 30 countries worldwide, while associated members incorporate national quality assurance associations, Ed-publishers, and exam boards.
The association, founded in 1991, is also a member of the Global Alliance of Education and Language Associations (Gaela), of which Lou is now Co-Convenor.
