Formation continue et auto-formation des enseignants de langue: bilan et perspectives (In-Service Teacher Education and Independent Study of Language Teachers: Status and Perspectives).

Most inservice teacher education erroneously equates pedagogy and methodology with classroom instructional "recipes" and strategies. It should, instead, help teachers adapt to specific teaching needs and gaps in training. Continuing education that allows teachers to choose their own areas of study and to pursue them individually encourages teachers to solve their own instructional problems. This kind of independent study may take a variety of forms: guided or directed, as in a pre-established program; "a la carte," i.e., programs specifically designed to meet individual needs; and open programs offered outside the traditional educational system (e.g., in academic libraries, at regional teaching centers, via telecommunications, etc.). An experimental European network for electronic information exchange contains information about educational opportunities for language teachers. In addition, educational television by satellite offers possibilities for both open independent study and international dialogue. All three types of independent study support pluralism, which in turn reinforces teacher autonomy and motivation. (MSE)