Primary Teachers Training Conducted

primary teacher training

VIN conducted a Primary Teacher Training for 23 teachers of 9 different schools. The training was very practical and was based on local reality. After the training, we distributed the classroom resources for schools. We hope to conduct the regular training and follow up. All schools have what they were taught to use and they are also encouraged to use locally resources.

VIN: Teacher Development
Diann and Jessica initially traveled to Nepal with the idea that they would be teaching English to Buddhist monks. However, Bhupi persuaded them to use their experience in education to develop teacher trainings to benefit the community of Jitpur.  Diann has worked in education for 31 years and is currently a teacher trainer in California, USA.  Jessica currently teaches at the secondary level in Washington, DC, USA and recently finished her masters in International Education. During the first week of the project, Diann and Jessica observed teachers in the community schools to evaluate their needs and to assist in the development of trainings to improve their teaching.  Many teachers tend to use the “Chalk and Talk” method, relying on repetition and rote memorization to facilitate student learning. In addition, it was observed that teachers struggled to utilize resources such as the Room to Read books or other materials from their own community.

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Diann and Jessica presented two trainings; a two-day training for Early Childhood Development teachers, and, a one-day training for Primary Teachers. The goal for each training was to give teachers ideas on how they can integrate creativity and excitement in their teaching.  Trainings emphasized the need for higher order questioning and differentiated teaching based on research.  Diann and Jessica presented many examples of how teachers can engage students in active learning through the implementation of meaningful and enjoyable activities.  Teachers practiced strategies such as singing fun children’s songs, playing simple musical instruments, reading books aloud, making flashcards, brainstorming and others.   In addition, Diann and Jessica demonstrated how to use the Room to Read books in the classroom.

The following week, Diann and Jessica followed up their trainings by visiting each of the schools.  They observed the teachers implementing the techniques that they had learned in the training.  Diann and Jessica demonstrated teaching methods with the children and gave feedback to the teachers. The teachers were excited about their new strategies and were very receptive to the suggestions offered.  Overall, the teacher development was a great success for all involved!