Professor Andrew Linn and Dr Anastasiya Bezborodova visited educational institutions in Turkmenistan to provide colleagues and students with training to enhance the teaching of English in Turkmen schools. The visit was part of the British Council-funded project Accelerating English Language Learning in Central Asia (AELLCA).
Between 19 and 25 January, Professor Linn, Westminster Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange, and Dr Bezborodova, Visiting Lecturer in Student Experience, delivered sessions to 224 students and 72 teachers at the International University of Humanities and Development, Magtymguly Turkmen State University and Seyitnazar Seydi Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute.
During the training sessions, Professor Linn and Dr Bezborodova discussed the effective use of new technology and modern methods when teaching English, as part of the British Council-funded project AELLCA. This initiative is designed to enhance English language teacher education and professional development across five Central Asian countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
Over the course of their visit, the pair also met with the rectors of three universities and the Head of International Cooperation at the Turkmenistan Ministry of Education to explore ongoing engagement, collaboration, and research and knowledge exchange with the University of Westminster.
Professor Andrew Linn with Ms Gulnabat Gurdova, Head of the Department of International Collaboration, Ministry of Education
About the visit Professor Linn said: “While the countries of Central Asia have a strong commitment to the teaching and learning of English, proficiency across the region remains at a low level. The British Council AELLCA project represents a significant investment in that ambition, and we are thrilled to be part of this important work. The University has a 23-year history of partnership with higher education in the region via Westminster International University in Tashkent, and we now build on that as one of a small number of global universities working alongside colleagues in Turkmenistan in pursuit of their own internationalisation ambitions."
This work directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4: Quality Education and 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Find out more about research and knowledge exchange at the University of Westminster.
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