Iraq: Trade union rolls out additional training on distance teaching and learning
Members of the Kurdistan Teachers’ Union (KTU) have participated in additional training to equip them with the knowledge and tools necessary for remote education. These skills have proven crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the training financially supported by Education International.
In early January, 69 members of KTU branches in Sora, Garmiyan, and Khanaqin participated in three training courses to upskill them in modern teaching methods. The training curriculum included several lessons tackling teaching methods and the use of new technologies in education and e-learning, as well as two new practical lectures for teaching remotely. The aim was for teachers to gain experience in online teaching methods.
This training session follows on December upskilling of KTU colleagues in the Raparin, Koya, and Akra regions.
The need for such courses arose from the COVID-19 pandemic, which made the continuation of education in classrooms impossible.
As with previous training sessions, most of the participants proposed to extend the training course period, because the classes had proved to be beneficial and a great professional experience, noted KTU President Abdalwahed M. Haje.
“Participating educators highly appreciate the efforts of the Kurdistan Teachers’ Union in these difficult circumstances, especially for education,” he said. “Education can never be stopped, because stopping the education process means stopping life. It also puts the future of generations in danger.”
He went on to explain that teachers identified a series of issues in relation to online lessons, including:
- Electrical power cuts
- Weak Internet network, especially in remote areas
- Families’ poor financial means
- Pupils and students’ meagre experience of new educational tools
