The Martinique Workshops: In-Service Teacher Training

This project has a threefold emphasis: 1) to elaborate on the ESL teacher-training workshops conducted in Martinique over a three-month period; 2) to present some effective training techniques and suggestions, and act as a model for educators, planners and trainers; and 3) to consider educational, pedagogical and teacher-training issues which can influence society and consciousness. The Martinique Workshops revolved around the introduction of three core approaches or methodologies (Silent Way, Counseling-Learning/ Community Language Learning, and Suggestopedia) in an experiential learning environment with a primary focus on communicative competence strategies in the ESL classroom. These took the form of in-service teacher training for professionals, with an overall design to promote true communication skills. This paper covers that entire process from initial planning stages, through individual session breakdowns by objectives and activities, training response sections, and on to an overall evaluation of the workshops and their import