After completing the ACTE course as a teacher educator, I realised how effective it had been for my teaching approach and the support I provided to my trainees. This course taught me about contemporary pedagogy, emphasising the value of reflection, flexibility, and diversity in training sessions.
Among the most important things I discovered was how minor changes might have a significant effect, especially when accommodating trainees with different needs. For instance, adding audio to slides or subtitles to shared videos might help those with visual or hearing impairments learn more efficiently. This became especially clear to me during a recent training session on Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI), where I had two visually impaired participants.
To support them, I implemented practical strategies like having other participants read slides aloud, providing accessible PDF resources in advance, and ensuring their active participation at every stage. These initiatives confirmed the need to accommodate various learning requirements to promote an inclusive learning environment.
The course clarified the possibility of remote training. Virtual training could be as engaging and participatory as in-person meetings through synchronous sessions, group projects, and innovative use of online platforms. The flexibility and accessibility offered by remote teaching became a valuable takeaway for me as I prepared to support diverse groups of trainees in varied contexts.
The most important lesson learned in the course was realising the importance of reflection in training. Before taking this course, I frequently disregarded this phase, hastily ending sessions before allowing participants adequate time to reflect on what they had learned. To encourage participants to consider how they may use what they have learned in their classrooms, I now ensure that every training session has ample time for the reflection phase, where they revise the things learned and analyse whether they are accessible and effective for them or their students and classrooms.
In conclusion, the ACTE course taught me how to design inclusive, influential, and introspective training experiences. By understanding my trainees' diverse needs and adapting my methods accordingly, I am better equipped to empower them to succeed in their teaching journeys.