Current Projects

University of Westminster, London, UK

English language teaching in Turkmenistan in international perspective

The collaborative project between the University of Westminster (UoW) and the International University for Humanities and Development (IUHD) in Ashgabat successfully enhanced English teacher training for Turkmenistan’s public school system. This initiative directly addressed Outcome 1 of the English and Inclusion Partnerships call: advancing initial English language teacher education across Central Asia. The project focused on pre-service teacher training (PRESETT) at Magtymguly Turkmen State University (MTSU) in Ashgabat and Seyitnazar Seydi Turkmen State Pedagogical Institute (SSTSPI) in Türkmenabat, while also emphasising continuous professional development (CPD) at all career stages.

During the week of 20 January 2025, Professor Andrew Linn and Dr Anastasiya Bezborodova delivered interactive training workshops to 296 participants: 224 students (152 from MTSU and 72 from SSPI) and 72 teachers (10 from MTSU, 15 from SSPI, and 47 from IUHD). The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with particular appreciation from SSPI in Türkmenabat, where international CPD visits are less common. The workshops played a key role in informing the final programme materials. The resulting resource pack, printed as a CPD programme book and also available digitally on this website, enriched PRESETT programmes and supported INSETT CPD.

The project’s key outcomes, showcased on this website, are designed to foster a strong community of practice among English language professionals in Turkmenistan. These resources will provide ongoing training, collaboration opportunities, and long-term support for educators.

Ulster University, Northern Ireland

Inclusion in initial English Language teacher education: embedding practice in Uzbekistan and Kazahkstan

In January 2025, staff from Ulster University’s School of Education collaborated with Prof. Rokhatoy Abidova at Urgench State University and Associate Professor Yelena Kandalina at Kostanay Regional University to deliver teacher training for PRESETT, funded by the British Council’s AELLCA award, focusing on inclusion and Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Led by Professor Barbara Skinner and lecturers Cain Barriskill and Franz Hoeritzauer, the programme aimed to equip English Language Teaching (ELT) professionals with strategies to create inclusive and accessible learning environments for all learners.

The series of face-to-face training sessions emphasised the importance of progressive teaching strategies to enable full participation within supportive educational settings. The workshops covered topics such as inclusion theory, universal design for learning, adapting materials, and the role of technology in inclusion. The three lecturers engaged participants in practical approaches to embedding student well-being into the curriculum and designing accessible learning experiences. These workshops provided hands-on strategies aligned with Ulster University’s commitment to ensuring all students achieve their full potential.

This collaborative initiative reflects how individuals and institutions with a shared dedication to promoting inclusive practices can come together to enhance education and foster environments where all learners can thrive.

The Ulster University presentation on Universal Design for Learning is available below: