Azerbaijan – Capacity Building for Pre-School Teachers

In 2019, Edinburgh College worked with the British Council and Ministry of Education in Azerbaijan to provide a professional development and capacity building programme for a group of fifteen pre-school teachers from Azerbaijan.  

The purpose of the course was to support the development of the pre-school system in Azerbaijan and align it with international best practice. Edinburgh College Childhood Practice staff provided an overview of the early years curriculum in Scotland showcasing and sharing best practice and processes in the sector.  

Participants on the programme developed their knowledge of play theory, inclusive education and child-led learning and their skills in managing behaviour, team-working and working with age appropriate practical and tactile activities.  The programme also included a high degree of comparison work, so participants were reflecting on the differences in Early Years Education in Scotland and Azerbaijan, and understanding how to marry different practices in a culturally and educationally appropriate way.  

The 2-week programme also included an outdoor learning field trip, an industry visit to a local nursery and other cultural visits.