In this Scots language teacher professional learning course, you will become familiar with the Scots language and culture, explore a variety of approaches to the learning and teaching of the language, the contexts it is used in and how it can feature in any subject area and level of study in Scottish schools.

1.1 Objectives

The course comprises a variety of study materials revolving around the theory and practice of teaching Scots language and culture, which enables you to engage with both the language and pedagogy in a professionally supportive environment. As teachers, you can become drivers of change in your own school by implementing what you learn here and starting a positive move towards Scots language learning. While studying this course you will have the opportunity to apply your new skills in your classroom with your pupils. We hope that your confidence in this aspect of your teaching practice will increase.

1.2 Meet the group

You will interact with the other students in the course via the course discussion forum, as well as during the synchronous online tutorials in Teams.

You can meet informally with other students in self-help groups, work together on tasks, exchange ideas or give each other peer support using any tools for communication of your choice.

1.3 Meet your tutors

The principal tutor for the course, Bruce Eunson, is Scots Language Co-ordinator for Education Scotland. Born and bred in Shetland, he is Joint Convener of dialect promotion group Shetland ForWirds. He is an Executive Director for the Dictionary of the Scots Language and a Council member of the Scots Language Centre. He was an editor and author for the OU Scots Language and Culture open course and has written a unit for this teacher CPD course.

Bruce will lead a team of tutors on ths course, each of whom will tutor a group for the duration of the course. Your tutor will contact you near the start of the course, after the induction week, to introduce him/herself and explain how you will work together.