Is Experience or a Qualification More Valuable in Teaching?

What makes a more effective teacher—decades of hands-on experience or a formal teaching qualification? In this insightful action research project, Sakeena Bibi explores this important question within the unique environment of the Defence School of Languages (DSL), where civilian instructors train military personnel in languages like Pashto, Arabic, and Farsi.

Titled “Teaching: Experience or Qualification?”, the research investigates how language trainers perceive their own teaching methods, how they respond to professional development opportunities, and how their backgrounds—whether built on experience, qualifications, or both—impact learner outcomes. With DSL courses tailored to NATO standards and a multicultural teaching cohort, the findings offer a valuable snapshot of modern adult education.

Through in-depth qualitative interviews with fifteen colleagues, the study compares the perspectives of teachers who rely solely on overseas teaching experience with those who hold formal UK teaching qualifications such as PGCE, CELTA, or DTLLS. The data collected is both rich and revealing—highlighting not only differences in classroom approaches, but also in professional confidence, reflective practice, and openness to continuous development.

Sakeena’s research demonstrates that while experience offers practical insight, it is through qualifications and structured CPD that teachers gain the pedagogical tools to adapt, innovate, and meet the diverse needs of English learners in the UK. Encouragingly, the research prompted meaningful change at DSL: more staff enrolled in qualifications, CPD workshops were introduced, and peer observations became part of the teaching culture.

If you're an educator, trainer, or academic interested in balancing lived teaching experience with formal training, this paper presents grounded reflections and actionable outcomes. It’s an engaging look at how personal growth, institutional support, and professional learning intersect to shape better teaching practices.

Click to read the full project and discover how the right combination of experience and qualification can raise teaching standards across sectors.