English upskilling for teachers

GAB Foundation’s sixth English Enrichment Training Programme (EETP) drew to a close at the end of September. The programme managed to reach out to 65 teachers from 56 schools across seven states, effectively benefiting more than 1,400 pupils.
BETTER TEACHERS, BETTER STUDENTS
Through the EETP, teachers were given the opportunity to enhance their English language teaching skills by implementing interactive methodologies to heighten their students’ interest during English lessons.
Briefly, the EETP is a seven-month programme that begins with a four-day intensive training workshop for teachers. The course is led by early childhood education specialists and English language experts. Subsequent to the workshop, teacher participants are encouraged to apply their knowledge via a 20-week supplementary English class programme catered to their students. Experienced mentors in Kedah, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Malacca, Johor, Sabah and Sarawak will provide supervision and support.
RAISING LEVELS, RISING STANDARDS
“Over the past six years, the EETP has significantly contributed to raising the level of English proficiency, particularly at schools attended by the underprivileged communities. As an example, SJK (T) Ladang Senama’s pre- and post-test results recorded improvement in the areas of listening by 23%, reading and understanding by 20% and writing by 20%,” shared lead trainer at the EETP, Amy Bala.
“We believe that the right environment and appropriate teaching methods are essential for teachers to cultivate learning interest among students. Therefore, we work together with our mentors and teachers to create a learning atmosphere that is engaging, interactive and inclusive,” Amy informed.
FAR-REACHING ADVANTAGES
Since 2012, GAB Foundation has invested close to RM5 million towards the EETP. The programme has since, benefitted a total of 465 teachers from 286 schools across seven states.
Besides improving a student’s command of the language, teachers have reported students displaying more confidence when conversing in the English language.
Clearly, the EETP goes beyond improving the command of the English language in the classroom. Said teacher participant Dhanalechmy Krishnan: “The programme taught me more engaging teaching methods as in dramatisation, reader’s theatre and games.”
Parent of student participant, Foo Soon Ching shared how pleased she was on her daughter’s participation. “Over the past few months, I have observed her enthusiasm for the language grow. She is now much more confident in speaking, reading and writing in English.”
For additional information on the GAB Foundation and its EETP, visit www.gabfoundation.org