The International Language Coaching Association (ILCA) focuses on empowering language educators by providing them with the autonomy to find their own development plans and strategies, as opposed to identifying with a one-and-only approach or methodology for learning about and applying language coaching in the existing language education field.
Instead of emphasising rigid curriculum adherence, ILCA prioritises the following:
- Continuous Professional Development: ILCA promotes ongoing learning and skill development, ensuring coaches stay up to date on the latest research, technologies, and best practices in the field. ILCA provides a wealth of resources for coaches to stay informed and expand their knowledge. This includes access to research and publications as ILCA curates and shares relevant research findings, articles, podcasts etc. on language learning and coaching regularly. We regularly host webinars and workshops led by experts in the field, covering a wide range of topics from technology integration to innovative coaching approaches. Mentoring, supervision programmes and highly specialised courses all add to our core belief in development and life-long learning. With access to online learning platforms designed to promote dialogue through a clear promotion of openness, curiosity and debate we fine-tune ideas to development as an organisation.
- A collaborative community: ILCA builds a supportive network of language coaches, encouraging knowledge sharing, peer learning, and collective growth within the community. We provide a platform for coaches to connect, share best practices, and learn from each other. A number of our programmes and courses have evolved from conversations and ideas shared – we truly believe in the value of collaborative efforts.
- Accreditation: ILCA does offer a course recognised by the largest external accreditation body, the ICF. If you are a coach seeking formal recognition or seeking to work with clients who require specific accreditation credentials, this can provide the CCE Units you seek. However, we offer programmes and courses that break the mould and are ambitious and innovative in their approach to cater for the needs of language educators on a far wider spectrum. We do offer our own accreditation and stand by our values and quality standards, for example through our Language Coaching Markers etc., whereby we can remain an independent stronghold for language coaches globally.
- Outcomes-based learning: ILCA values demonstrable improvements in language proficiency and learner confidence, allowing coaches to tailor their approaches to individual needs and learning preferences. Coaches are given the autonomy to build on their own teaching practices and experiment with innovative approaches in a dynamic and evolving learning environment. The emphasis on outcomes allows coaches to identify their unique strengths and expertise, ensuring they can work with the specific needs of their learners.
- Potential for innovation and choice: The organisation encourages experimentation with diverse training and coaching methodologies, including technology integration and creative approaches, to keep language learning fresh and engaging. The emphasis on individual approaches and creativity can lead to a broader range of quality and effectiveness among coaches and also has the potential to offer learners (recipients of coaching) a careful evaluation of their options and can lead to them choosing coaches who align with their specific needs. A personalised approach, you might say.
Ultimately, ILCA offers a unique alternative to traditional accreditation models, prioritising individual empowerment, innovation, and community building. Whether this approach is the right fit for a potential language coach depends on their individual goals and priorities.
Join and benefit from our membership programme and see how we work. Have your say in how you develop.
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