The Goethe-Institut in Jakarta was the first to put in place the Multiplikator model, in an attempt to deal with the ‘tyranny of distance’ in Indonesia. The model has been adapted for use in Australia by Goethe-Australia, as part of its program to support the promotion and teaching of German language in schools.

The Goethe-Institut in Australia has decided that the best model in the Australian context is that of ‘Professional Development Facilitators’ (PD Facilitators). The Australia-wide Network of Australian Teachers of German (NATG) already provides teachers with local support for their school programs. Network leaders disseminate information, organize meetings and professional development for teachers and, in some instances, run student activities. PD Facilitators are training to support this work, in particular in the area of professional development. The Network of PD Facilitators is, wherever possible, run cooperatively with local German Teacher Associations and/or education authorities.

For the past four years a select group of teachers have undertaken professional development through the Goethe-Institut to become PD Facilitators. They have concentrated on areas relevant to the needs of teachers in each of their States and/or Territories, as well as learning and refining their presentation and facilitation skills.

How can PD Facilitators help you? German teacher networks, hubgroups and associations are invited to consider how visits from PD Facilitators could assist them. A PD Facilitator can present at a meeting or assist a network with a project. The ‘facilitator’ aspect of the work is that which is unique to Australia, where we already have such fine network support systems and a great deal of expertise and experience amongst our teachers of German.

For more information about this project and a list of facilitators and their areas of expertise, visit www.goethe.de/oztrainers