In the ongoing battle to boost English standards in Hong Kong, language teachers are on the frontline.
While all teachers must deal with students of differing abilities and strengths, non-native speakers face particular challenges. To help them, the British Council established the English Language Teachers Network three years ago.
Since its inception, the network has grown to include more than 700 members from schools across Hong Kong. The network runs up to six workshops a year where teachers learn practical skills for teaching various aspects of English such as creative writing, phonology and reading skills.
'It's an area where they can come together and exchange experiences. In the workshops there's a lot of learning from your peers,' said Peter Loughran, head of Adult Learning at the British Council.
The network also runs a website where teachers can network with other members and download lesson plans.
Mr Loughran said the ELT Network, which is free for practising English language teachers, gave teachers an opportunity to discuss their experiences and learn about innovative teaching techniques.
'It offers them a view on what the latest methodologies are from the UK. That's all designed to create a buzz around teaching English in the classroom and that all feeds through to increased ability,' he said.