The British Teaching Diploma (BTD) in Jordan – It’s on the move.
In mid-June the UK based BTD Team visited Jordan to meet our partners ISHRAQ and TAGUCI/TAG Global to discuss the further expansion of the programme in the region. We have already delivered the BTD to two Jordanian cohorts. A third group is under way and a fourth is scheduled in the autumn. This is wonderful progress and clear evidence that the education leaders in Jordan like what they see. The BTD is on the move.
On our visit, we discussed a number of topics and enhancements driven largely by constructive feedback gathered from current BTD cohorts. The following issues were discussed:
BTD Delivery Pattern: It has been agreed the BTD trainers will shift to a pattern of 4.5 hours content teaching and 1.5 hours assignment preparation and support per module. Previously this ratio was 3 hours (content): 3 hours assignment (support). This will allow delegates to engage in more depth with novel ideas, strategies, tools and teaching material.
In addition, delegates asked whether our world class trainers could contribute to delivering each cohort on an alternating basis rather than looking after individual cohorts. This will enable delegates to experience contrasting styles from experienced practitioners. Again, the trainers were more than happy to accommodate this request and fully understood the rationale for this request.
Student Portal: The Student Portal has been further enhanced and there are more modifications on the way that will enable delegates to extract almost all of the resources they need to succeed on the programme from this feature. This will include a rich store of articles, websites, book references and other BTD relevant content. We can also add examples of ‘action learning tets’ to the Portal to promote even great peer interaction and co-operation.
Glossary: A comprehensive glossary has now been produced and about to be added to the Portal. This will help delegates in their preparation for the BTD and become familiar with key concepts that will be covered in the programme. Moreover, this early familiarisation intervention will allow trainers to move into more challenging content at pace.
Upgrade of BTD to Level 7: The BTD is currently pitched at a Level 5 standard, equivalent to the second year of a UK based undergraduate degree. Level 6 is the final year of an undergraduate degree and Level 7 is a postgraduate course such as a Masters or a PGCE. We are currently in the process of requesting an upgrade of the BTD from Level 5 to Level 7. This decision is based on evidence of the quality of the cohorts that have come through the programme to date and their clear capability to accept a higher intellectual challenge. The Level 7 programme, if approved, will commence in early 2024. It will add even more value to the CV and profile of successful delegates and potentially be used to gain some exemption from other teaching qualifications such as a PGCE.
If this increase in level for the BTD is approved by TQUK, we will of course engage with our partners at TAGUCI in Jordan to see if they will also accredit the programme at the same level.
A New BTD Module: We are always looking to finesse and improve the BTD and make it even more attractive to education practitioners. Our latest enhancement involves the addition of a 13th module on the psychology of classroom management. We are currently awaiting the module details and will approach TQUK to seek endorsement. Even better, this module will be delivered by an outstanding academic based in Amman and we are really look forward to his contribution to the BTD.
The BTD ‘Light’: We recognise that not every potential BTD delegate wants to undertake the programme in its current format or indeed submit assignments. They are happy to assimilate the knowledge and skills, and some evidence that they have completed the programme. Consequently. We are actively exploring the idea of developing a fully digital BTD (excluding assignment work). We are calling this the ‘BTD Light’ for the time being. We would like to work with partners in the Middle East to target this programme towards refugee teachers and educators with the active support of His Excellency Dr Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, Founder of TAG Global.
Arabic Version of the BTD: We recognise that to seriously expand the BTD in the region we will need to create a version translated into Arabic and delivered by local trainers. We are planning this extension of the BTD and will be seeking approval from TQUK before identifying and preparing trainers in Jordan and beyond to deliver the programme on the ground. As part of this we are also exploring the simultaneous translation potential of AI to provide an additional option.
Middle Management, Senior Leader and Owner/Executive Programmes:
The successful roll out of the BTD has generated so much excitement that many schools in Jordan and elsewhere are starting to enquire about allied programmes particularly for Middle and Senior Leaders, and indeed Founders, Owners and Chief Executives of educational organisations. This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for Dragonfly Training as our Middle and Senior Leadership Courses enjoy an outstanding reputation internationally, with access to highly respected trainers in this field enjoying global reputations. We are currently investigating if our esteemed partner at TAGUCI will accredit these programmes to sit under the wider BTD title. This work is progressing and I will be updating you in subsequent blogs.
Conclusion
As you can see, these are thrilling and interesting times for the BTD and the BTD team in the Arabic speaking world. We would like to extend out thanks to friends and colleagues at ISHRAQ and TAGUCI/TAG Global for all their cooperation, support and considerable influence in making all this happen. In particular, we would like to pick out Umair, Muna and Mahmoud for believing in this project and recognising the imperative of high-quality professional development for teachers not just in Jordan but around the world. We owe that to our children and future generations.
Thank you.
Steve Chapman (Managing Director, Dragonfly Training, Cardiff)