Teacher2Teacher off to a flying start

Thanks to APHEDA supporters, we have been able to kick-start the Teacher2Teacher program to improve the quality of education and support new teachers in Laos.

Students practice their writing on reusable blackboards

The Pakse Teacher Training College is APHEDA's partner in Southern Laos. The college covers teacher training in three Southern provinces and in July hosted an inaugural workshop for thirty first year teachers. This was the first time the college has been able to bring back first year teachers to examine their experiences and challenges of their first year of teaching, often in rural and remote areas.

In gathering this information the college will be able to improve the teacher training they provide to future students.

The workshop had two outcomes. First, teachers came together to share their experiences and detailed the problems they encountered as first year teachers in remote areas. The diverse ways in which they overcame these problems will improve the course for first year teachers and lead to the development of a practical induction program for future students.

Second, in addition to the workshop teachers received resource kits containing mini-blackboards, chalk, paper, alphabet charts and literacy materials. With teachers having over 880 children in their classes, many students will benefit from having quality teaching resources available to them.

But more support is needed. Mr Vilayone, a teacher from Pakson, has a Grade 1 and 2 composite class with 61 students, was only able to be issued with one kit. We need to tailor the program to continue the real and continuing needs of first year students.

The success of the workshop, particularly the resource kits and the the mini-blackboards, relied on one off private donations.

An ongoing Teacher2Teacher program will allow us to properly resource these teachers in the future - with both teaching materials, a proper induction, and a teacher peer support network where teachers can learn from each other's experiences.

To find out more about the Teacher2Teacher Program or to support our work please click here.

© Union Aid Abroad - APHEDA 2003.

Last Modified: Wednesday, 11-Aug-2010 12:58:30 EST
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