The New Model for EOI: Between 'Cuts' and Reorganisation

Conselleria of Education is driving a profound reorganisation in the Official Language Schools of the Valencian Community, which includes promoting online education due to the reduction of face-to-face classes, as well as the decrease in management teams. The regional body refers to these measures as an attempt to 'reorder' the educational offer based on demand.

One of the arguments supporting this reorganisation is that nearly a third of EOI students drop out halfway through the course, probably because, as it is non-compulsory education, many students find it difficult to balance their personal and work life with language learning.

The teaching staff at EOI is aware of this reality but believes that instead of opting for a 'cuts' policy, the quality of education and the working conditions of teachers should be improved to make the educational offer more attractive. "It's like pruning the branches of a tree so much that you end up killing it," explain sources from the teaching staff consulted by this medium.

The increase in teaching hours is causing teachers to have less time for tasks that are also essential for the functioning of the centres. "A department head previously had two hours a week to perform the duties of their position, such as writing a report, preparing the teaching programme, or planning cultural activities. Now they have decided that two hours is enough, but that work will have to be done in one," they complain.

The cut also affects the hours of exclusive dedication that could previously be used, for example, to support the media service, a space where students go to participate in reading groups, obtain supplementary materials for their classes, etc.

The situation also affects the time teachers have to prepare language certification exams. "Until now, we had 60 hours freed up per teacher to prepare these exams. The work is done in teams, by groups of teachers, and with the new changes, we will have only 48 hours in total to do it. Moreover, we will have to complete it in September, a month with a high workload due to course preparation."

According to the sources consulted, that number of hours could be further reduced to 24 hours in total, in which the exams for two convocations (ordinary and extraordinary) would have to be prepared, that is, 12 hours for each. This situation is causing, in some languages —especially minority ones—, the content of the exams not to be reviewed by teachers from other centres, which increases the risk of errors before students take the exams. "We are doomed to the devaluation of language certification in the EOI, so many will end up opting for private academies or seeking resources on their own to learn languages."

The way the online modality is being applied is also not well received by much of the teaching staff, especially due to the loss of personal interaction with students and the increase in ratios: from 35 students per class (30 from level B1 to facilitate oral expression) to 40.

There are also criticisms regarding the semi-presential modality, where a clear digital divide is perceived. This format implies that part of the teaching is delivered through an online platform. However, using this tool requires certain digital skills that some students do not possess, such as older people or those not familiar with technology, the teachers explain.