What: A month of tuition-free spoken English classes for teachers and primary students. The teacher classes met every weekday for one hour, while the student classes met three times per week, with beginner, intermediate and advanced sections. Curriculum was derived from the GlobalTESOL instruction method.
Where: Valaichenai, Batticaloa District
Why: Although English is a curriculum subject in all schools in Sri Lanka, shortages of English teachers with adequate preparation makes it very difficult for students in the eastern districts to advance in this subject. These courses, held during the August school holiday, helped teachers improve their spoken English and learn new techniques for participatory teaching. Students also benefited from the opportunity of working with a native English speaker and trained instructor.
When: Four weeks in August, 2008.
Who: Teachers from eight schools in Valaichenai, and grade 8 students from the five LEAP 2008 participant schools. Classes were taught by Margaret, and hosted at Valaichenai Hindu College.