29/05/2019
Cambridge Assessment English, a department of the University of Cambridge, has congratulated the Panamá Bilingüe programme and the Ministry of Education on the continuing success of its teacher training programme.
More than 730 teachers have completed the Cambridge Teaching Knowledge Test, with 98% achieving a level of systematic knowledge. Nearly half of these teachers demonstrated wide, deep knowledge of effecting teaching methodology and teaching practice, as well as a level of English appropriate for classroom teaching.
Hundreds of teachers across the country are now progressing to the more advanced Cambridge certificates designed to give them a thorough professional training in Primary or Secondary language teaching – more than 350 have already been awarded these prestigious certificates.
Claudia Nieto Flores, director of Cambridge Assessment English for Mexico and Central America explained; “Panamá Bilingüe is an inspiring project which aims to raise the standard of English throughout the nation’s education system. By taking a rigorous, step by step approach and putting the professional development of teachers, Mineduca is building the foundations of truly effective language learning and teaching.”
“We have been extremely impressed by the enthusiasm and dedication of the teachers taking part in this programme and are delighted that the feedback from teachers taking part in the programme clearly shows that the training they have received has increased their skills and confidence.” An important feature of this programme is that more than 80 Panamanian teachers have completed courses delivered directly by specialists from Cambridge, certificating them as teacher trainers who are able to pass on their skills to colleagues. This ensures that the methodology is sustainable and can be delivered economically and effectively within the Panamanian education system.
Nieto Flores continues: “Panamá Bilingüe is a programme which has mobilised the whole of Panama’s education system, with a truly impressive commitment at every level from language teachers in the most isolated rural areas through to the office of the President himself. At the heart of this success, is the dedication of two remarkable educationalists Eneida López and Mayra Ríos, and we congratulate them on the success they have achieved, which will give the current generation of learners in Panamá unprecedented opportunities to participate in the global economy.”
“The mission of Cambridge Assessment English is to help people to learn English and prove their skills to the world, and we are delighted to be able to support the work of educationalist who share this commitment.”