First EUROLTA Training Cohort for German Language Teachers in Pakistan Successfully Completed

ICC and Flying Teachers are pleased to announce the successful completion of the first EUROLTA teacher training programme for German language teachers in Pakistan.

The 12-week online programme was delivered as part of the German Language Teacher Training initiative under the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, Centres for Migration and Development (ZME)/ EU Multi-Donor Action Supporting a Talent Partnership with Pakistan, co-financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the European Union (EU). The initiative is implemented in collaboration with relevant public and private sector stakeholders in Pakistan.

The programme aimed to strengthen German language teaching in Pakistan by developing teachers’ pedagogical and didactic skills, learner-centred approaches, digital teaching practices and reflective teaching.

Participants in the first EUROLTA training cohort for German language teachers in Pakistan. The photograph is published with the consent of all participants pictured.

From expectations to new perspectives

Participants joined the course with different expectations, but many were surprised by how practical and interactive the training proved to be.

Alvina Fatima reflected:

“I thought it would be challenging, but I was pleasantly surprised by how interactive and practical it was. I learned a lot and gained more confidence as a teacher.”

For experienced teacher and trainer Shehla Khan, the course encouraged a deeper reflection on familiar teaching practices:

“EUROLTA encouraged me to question familiar routines and examine the purpose behind every classroom decision.”

Learning through practice and reflection

A key strength of the training was the opportunity to learn through peer teaching, feedback and reflection.

Memoona Amin described an important shift in her understanding of teaching:

“Teaching isn’t just about ‘transferring knowledge’ – it’s about creating an atmosphere where students WANT to participate.”

The training also helped participants overcome challenges and build confidence. Abdullatif Mohammadi identified giving learners more speaking time as an important achievement, while Ayesha Khan reflected:

“I was very shy but now I can teach and speak with confidence.”

A more learner-centred approach

For many participants, the training resulted in a broader change in their teaching philosophy.

Muhammad Ghazanfar Rehman explained:

“I can now design more learner-centred, differentiated, communicative, and inclusive language-learning activities.”

Participants also highlighted learner autonomy, purposeful use of technology, flexibility and adapting teaching to individual needs.

Three key takeaways

When asked to identify their three biggest takeaways, participants summed up their learning in different ways.

Mahnoor Salleem

“Planning saves time, Feedback drives growth, Mistakes are part of learning.”

Memoona Amin

“Student Talking Time over Teacher Talking Time, Flexibility is the Key, Embracing Digital and Interactive Tools.”

Afshan Rafique

“Teach with Purpose, Reflect to Grow, Be authentic and learner-centred.”

Together, these reflections show the impact of the first EUROLTA cohort: participants not only developed new practical skills, but also strengthened their confidence and moved towards a more reflective, flexible and learner-centred approach to teaching.

ICC and Flying Teachers are proud to have supported this first group of German language teachers on their EUROLTA journey and look forward to contributing to the continued development of high-quality German language teaching in Pakistan.

From expectations to new perspectives

Participants joined the course with different expectations, but many were surprised by how practical and interactive the training proved to be.

Alvina Fatima reflected:

“I thought it would be challenging, but I was pleasantly surprised by how interactive and practical it was. I learned a lot and gained more confidence as a teacher.”

For experienced teacher and trainer Shehla Khan, the course encouraged a deeper reflection on familiar teaching practices:

“EUROLTA encouraged me to question familiar routines and examine the purpose behind every classroom decision.”

Learning through practice and reflection

A key strength of the training was the opportunity to learn through peer teaching, feedback and reflection.

Memoona Amin described an important shift in her understanding of teaching:

“Teaching isn’t just about ‘transferring knowledge’ – it’s about creating an atmosphere where students WANT to participate.”

The training also helped participants overcome challenges and build confidence. Abdullatif Mohammadi identified giving learners more speaking time as an important achievement, while Ayesha Khan reflected:

“I was very shy but now I can teach and speak with confidence.”

A more learner-centred approach

For many participants, the training resulted in a broader change in their teaching philosophy.

Muhammad Ghazanfar Rehman explained:

“I can now design more learner-centred, differentiated, communicative, and inclusive language-learning activities.”

Participants also highlighted learner autonomy, purposeful use of technology, flexibility and adapting teaching to individual needs.

Three key takeaways

When asked to identify their three biggest takeaways, participants summed up their learning in different ways.

Mahnoor Salleem:

“Planning saves time, Feedback drives growth, Mistakes are part of learning.”

Memoona Amin:

“Student Talking Time over Teacher Talking Time, Flexibility is the Key, Embracing Digital and Interactive Tools.”

Afshan Rafique:

“Teach with Purpose, Reflect to Grow, Be authentic and learner-centred.”

Together, these reflections show the impact of the first EUROLTA cohort: participants not only developed new practical skills, but also strengthened their confidence and moved towards a more reflective, flexible and learner-centred approach to teaching.

ICC and Flying Teachers are proud to have supported this first group of German language teachers on their EUROLTA journey and look forward to contributing to the continued development of high-quality German language teaching in Pakistan.


In their own words


Participant Reflections


Our participants reflect on their EUROLTA journey: what surprised them,
what challenges they overcame, and how the course has influenced their teaching.

What did you think at the beginning of the course?

“I thought it would be challenging, but I was pleasantly surprised by how interactive and practical it was. I learned a lot and gained more confidence as a teacher.”

Alvina Fatima

“As an experienced teacher and teacher trainer, I thought the course would mainly refresh what I already knew. Instead, EUROLTA encouraged me to question familiar routines and examine the purpose behind every classroom decision. I joined with experience, but also with curiosity, and I am leaving with a more reflective mindset.”

Shehla Khan

“At the beginning I thought it would be a theoretical course that would not be very applicable to the Pakistani context. However, it turned out to be a very practical and interactive course.”

Muhammad Saqlain

“At the beginning of this course, I thought I would learn some new teaching techniques. I never imagined how much my pedagogical knowledge, confidence and perspective on teaching would grow. I’m truly grateful for this journey.”

Afshan Rafique

What was the biggest surprise?

“The biggest surprise was that everyone, the teachers and the course mates, was super friendly, helpful and we got on incredibly well. The course was super fun and I learned so much on how to improve my lesson deliveries.”

Muhammad Hamza

“The biggest surprise was realizing that teaching isn’t just about ‘transferring knowledge’ – it’s about creating an atmosphere where students WANT to participate. The feedback from my peers during the MPT sessions made me realize that even small, subtle changes in my delivery make a massive difference in learner engagement.”

Memoona Amin

“How much I could still learn after more than 18 years of teaching. Simple ideas such as retrieval practice, guided noticing, mediation and delayed feedback changed how I was learning. I was also touched by the openness and support of our trainers and course participants.”

Shehla Khan

“The biggest surprise was how many new ideas and techniques I learned from the trainers and other participants. I especially enjoyed learning how simple activities can make lessons more engaging and meaningful.”

Ghulam Nabi

Can you name one thing you can now do confidently?

“I can teach using modern technology rather than the traditional way of teaching.”

Nazia Begum

“One thing I can now do confidently is design engaging lesson plans according to my students’ needs.”

Alvina Fatima

“I can now design more learner-centred, differentiated, communicative, and inclusive language-learning activities. I feel more confident adapting tasks to different abilities, preferences and learning needs.”

Muhammad Ghazanfar Rehman

What challenge did you finally overcome?

“One thing I finally overcame is time management.”

Syeda Kashaf ul Qoos Wajid

“To understand the usage of AI and teaching techniques and strategies.”

Adam Umar Shahzad

“To cater to some students’ individual needs without affecting the general pace of the course.”

Syed Wasif Ali

“I was very shy but now I can teach and speak with confidence.”

Ayesha Khan

“One challenge I finally overcame is giving students more speaking time.”

Abdullatif Mohammadi

What are your three biggest takeaways?

  1. Planning saves time
  2. Feedback drives growth
  3. Mistakes are part of learning

Mahnoor Salleem

  1. Great methods to include cultural aspects into lessons
  2. Benefits of formative assessment
  3. Use of Padlet.

Syed Wasif Ali

  1. Student Talking Time over Teacher Talking Time
  2. Flexibility is the Key
  3. Embracing Digital and Interactive Tools

Memoona Amin

  1. Teach with Purpose
  2. Reflect to Grow
  3. Be authentic and learner-centred

Afshan Rafique

How has your teaching changed?

“I now focus more on involving students through collaborative activities, digital tools, and learner autonomy instead of relying mainly on teacher explanations. I have also become more flexible and reflective, adapting my teaching strategies according to my students’ needs and using technology only when it adds real value to the learning process.”

Syeda Kashaf ul Qoos Wajid

“I have changed my teaching methodology to be much more communicative. I now use fewer activities but give students room to actually talk, engage and learn more.”

Mahnoor Salleem

“My teaching has become more learner-centred and flexible. I now focus more on creating meaningful learning experiences rather than just delivering content.”

Alvina Fatima

From expectations to reflection, confidence and change

For our participants, the EUROLTA journey has been about more than learning new techniques. It has encouraged them to reflect on their teaching, experiment with new approaches, learn from one another and put their learners at the centre of the classroom.

What did you think at the beginning of the course?

“I thought it would be challenging, but I was pleasantly surprised by how interactive and practical it was. I learned a lot and gained more confidence as a teacher.”

Alvina Fatima

“As an experienced teacher and teacher trainer, I thought the course would mainly refresh what I already knew. Instead, EUROLTA encouraged me to question familiar routines and examine the purpose behind every classroom decision. I joined with experience, but also with curiosity, and I am leaving with a more reflective mindset.”

Shehla Khan

“At the beginning I thought it would be a theoretical course that would not be very applicable to the Pakistani context. However, it turned out to be a very practical and interactive course.”

Muhammad Saqlain

“At the beginning of this course, I thought I would learn some new teaching techniques. I never imagined how much my pedagogical knowledge, confidence and perspective on teaching would grow. I’m truly grateful for this journey.”

Afshan Rafique

What was the biggest surprise?

“The biggest surprise was that everyone, the teachers and the course mates, was super friendly, helpful and we got on incredibly well. The course was super fun and I learned so much on how to improve my lesson deliveries.”

Muhammad Hamza

“The biggest surprise was realizing that teaching isn’t just about ‘transferring knowledge’ – it’s about creating an atmosphere where students WANT to participate. The feedback from my peers during the MPT sessions made me realize that even small, subtle changes in my delivery make a massive difference in learner engagement.”

Memoona Amin

“How much I could still learn after more than 18 years of teaching. Simple ideas such as retrieval practice, guided noticing, mediation and delayed feedback changed how I was learning. I was also touched by the openness and support of our trainers and course participants.”

Shehla Khan

“The biggest surprise was how many new ideas and techniques I learned from the trainers and other participants. I especially enjoyed learning how simple activities can make lessons more engaging and meaningful.”

Ghulam Nabi

Can you name one thing you can now do confidently?

“I can teach using modern technology rather than the traditional way of teaching.”

Nazia Begum

“One thing I can now do confidently is design engaging lesson plans according to my students’ needs.”

Alvina Fatima

“I can now design more learner-centred, differentiated, communicative, and inclusive language-learning activities. I feel more confident adapting tasks to different abilities, preferences and learning needs.”

Muhammad Ghazanfar Rehman

What challenge did you finally overcome?

“One thing I finally overcame is time management.”

Syeda Kashaf ul Qoos Wajid

“To understand the usage of AI and teaching techniques and strategies.”

Adam Umar Shahzad

“To cater to some students’ individual needs without affecting the general pace of the course.”

Syed Wasif Ali

“I was very shy but now I can teach and speak with confidence.”

Ayesha Khan

“One challenge I finally overcame is giving students more speaking time.”

Abdullatif Mohammadi

What are your three biggest takeaways?

  1. Planning saves time
  2. Feedback drives growth
  3. Mistakes are part of learning

Mahnoor Salleem

  1. Great methods to include cultural aspects into lessons
  2. Benefits of formative assessment
  3. Use of Padlet. 

Syed Wasif Ali

  1. Student Talking Time over Teacher Talking Time
  2. Flexibility is the Key
  3. Embracing Digital and Interactive Tools 

Memoona Amin

  1. Teach with Purpose
  2. Reflect to Grow
  3. Be authentic and learner-centred 

Afshan Rafique

 

How has your teaching changed?

“I now focus more on involving students through collaborative activities, digital tools, and learner autonomy instead of relying mainly on teacher explanations. I have also become more flexible and reflective, adapting my teaching strategies according to my students’ needs and using technology only when it adds real value to the learning process.”

Syeda Kashaf ul Qoos Wajid

“I have changed my teaching methodology to be much more communicative. I now use fewer activities but give students room to actually talk, engage and learn more.”

Mahnoor Salleem

“My teaching has become more learner-centred and flexible. I now focus more on creating meaningful learning experiences rather than just delivering content.”

Alvina Fatima

From expectations to reflection, confidence and change

For our participants, the EUROLTA journey has been about more than learning new techniques. It has encouraged them to reflect on their teaching, experiment with new approaches, learn from one another and put their learners at the centre of the classroom.

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Strengthening German Language Teacher Training in Pakistan