ELE teacher training in Portugal: a focus on pedagogical innovation

Abstract

The teaching of Spanish as a foreign language (ELE) in Portugal is experiencing a significant transformation towards innovative pedagogical practices that fit the profile of 21st century students and teachers. In this context, the approach to ELE teacher training based on active methodologies with pedagogical evaluation and digital technologies is investigated. This work presents the results of an action research, in the form of a case study, carried out in the 2021/2022 academic year, with a qualitative-descriptive approach, reflecting on the impact of ELE teacher training during the implementation of innovative pedagogical practices to improve the quality of ELE teaching and learning in Portugal. The results indicate that long-term training had a positive and significant impact on the professional and personal development of ELE teachers in Portugal. Although, at the beginning of the training, most teachers had little experience in the use of active learning strategies, pedagogical evaluation and digital skills. After completing the training, the data revealed a notable improvement in the aforementioned areas and evidenced the effectiveness of the training, which can contribute to the improvement of the teaching and learning of ELE in Portugal.