We recently conducted a series of Teacher Training Workshops in India, aimed at equipping educators with the skills and knowledge to effectively prepare candidates for the OET Test. The workshops were held across India, in Delhi, Chandigarh, Trivandrum, Kottayam, Calicut, Hyderabad, Surat, Ahmedabad, Gurgaon, Chennai, Kochi, Bangalore and Guwahati.
We spoke with Prakriti Das, OET Education Specialist, India and South Asia, who led these workshops.
Here, she shares her insights into the program and OET's ongoing commitment to equipping teachers with the right skills to support their candidates effectively, to help them achieve their goals.
Q: What was the main objective of the OET Teacher Training Workshops held in India?
Prakriti: Our goal was to do more than just introduce teachers to the OET Test format. We wanted to encourage them to think about the unique needs of their students and adapt their teaching strategies to better support those needs. By doing this, we hope to empower teachers to help their students succeed in global healthcare careers. The workshops weren't just about test techniques; we also explored effective teaching methods that connect with local candidates.
Q: Can you tell us more about the structure of the training programme?
Prakriti: At OET, we’ve created a really comprehensive teacher training program that’s completely free and accessible through our dedicated online portal. It’s split into two parts, so teachers can get a thorough understanding of the OET Test and what their students need to succeed, not just on test day but also in their professional roles.
The first part consists of seven online modules that cover all the fundamentals of teaching the OET Test. It’s really flexible and takes about ten hours to complete, so teachers can go at their own pace. These modules dive into strategies for each of the four sub-tests—Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Once they finish, they receive a digital badge and access to a private teachers’ group on our portal. This group is a fantastic resource for ongoing professional development and staying connected with a global community of educators.
The second part of the training is where it gets even more engaging. We hosted live workshops across India where teachers could discuss their regional challenges, exchange tips, and actually practice teaching techniques. It was a great chance for them to get a feel for what a successful OET Test preparation class looks like and build confidence in their approach.
Overall, the program is all about equipping teachers with the tools they need to support their students and creating a space where they can continue learning and connecting with peers around the world.
Q: What makes these workshops unique compared to other teacher training programmes?
Prakriti: What makes our workshops unique is their focus on more than just test tactics—they’re designed to help teachers develop teaching methods that cater to the diverse needs of their students. We include activities that encourage teachers to reflect on their students’ learning environments and challenges, making their teaching more effective and supportive. This approach goes beyond standard training and truly equips educators to support their students in a meaningful way.
That said, it’s important to remember that these workshops are just one part of the overall training experience. The core of our teacher training is delivered through the online portal, where educators can access comprehensive modules on test strategies and effective teaching methods. The workshops are there to build on this foundation, providing a space to connect, share insights, and apply what they’ve learned in a collaborative setting.
Q: What were some of the key takeaways for participants?
Prakriti: Teachers left with a much clearer idea of how to teach each OET sub-test. They got to experience how lessons could incorporate healthcare contexts and skills assessed in the OET Test, to further strengthen the lesson approach explained in the online modules.
The workshops also created a great space for teachers to connect, share their experiences, and learn from one another. Many of them told us they felt more confident and better prepared to support their students' success after attending.
Q: What are the future plans for OET Teacher Training in India?
Prakriti: We plan to continue expanding these workshops to reach more educators across India. Our aim is to create a strong network of OET-certified teachers who can provide high-quality support to healthcare professionals looking to pursue their careers globally.
Feedback from the sessions
"I had a fantastic experience learning at OET training session 2. The instructor Miss Prakriti was highly knowledgeable, the curriculum was comprehensive, and the learning environment was perfect for our growth. I appreciated the hands-on approach to learning, which has been invaluable in my own teaching sessions. The support team, especially Rinku ma’am, was also very helpful and responsive to any inquiries or concerns. I highly recommend OET’s training for anyone looking to further their skills and knowledge in this field."
— Teacher attendee, OET Teacher Workshop - Gurugram, June 2024
"Attending the OET teacher training session was a transformative experience for my teaching career. The comprehensive curriculum, led by expert instructor Ms. Prakriti Das, covered all the necessary skills and strategies to excel in the test. The interactive and practical approach, combined with personalized feedback, made the sessions engaging and effective. The training provided me with a deeper understanding of the exam structure, and the practice materials were incredibly beneficial in boosting my confidence and that of my organisation. Ms. Rinku Lakra’s impeccable planning made it all possible."
— Director, Webberz Educomp Limited, OET Teacher Workshop - Gurugram, June 2024
"OET India conducted a Teacher Training workshop in Chennai. It was meticulously organized by Ms. Parvathi Sugathan and the expert trainer Ms. Prakriti Das handled the entire session in an interesting and useful manner. One clever thing about this workshop was their pre-workshop assignment which gave a good insight into OET’s content, format and the expectations of the examiners etc. This helped many trainers who are new to OET.
Ms. Prakriti in her session actually highlighted the importance of improving the core language skills and made it clear that just working repeatedly on question papers will not yield results. Ms. Prakriti’s tips and suggested strategies as well as the pit-falls the students are to be careful about deserve a big word of commendation. She wrapped up the session with a Kahoot Quiz which served as a recap of the important points.
Kudos to OET India and we look forward to more such programmes. Our special thanks to Ms. Parvathy Sugathan for her efforts."
— Head, Learning & Development, Immense Immigration & Education Services Pvt. Ltd., Chennai, June 2024
For more information on upcoming OET Teacher Training Workshops, stay tuned to our official Facebook page, or sign up to our teacher training platform.