more-in ‘Hello English’, a training programme conceived and implemented by the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Kerala, to enhance the standards of English learning in primary schools in the State, has received a good response from teachers, students and parents in the district. As per a study conducted by K.S. Vasudevan, district programme officer, SSA, students could understand the instructions given by teachers in English and they were able to respond to it. They got a chance to listen to stories and participate in language games. Though half of them tried to interact in English, confidence was lacking. Teachers too lapped up the programme as one third of them showed marked improvement in the areas of knowledge, pedagogy and attitude. Three fourths of teachers were able to change the learning styles of students. Most of them could assess their strengths and weaknesses in teaching. Their attitude to teaching the language changed too. About two third of teachers used simple English with confidence while interacting with students. “As many as 983 teachers from as many primary schools in the district were trained for five days in 21 batches till February 7. Eleven key resource persons were involved,” Dr. Vasudevan said. The programmes were held at the block resource centres at Balussery, Chelannur, Kozhikode, Koduvally, Kunnummal, Kunnamangalam, Mavoor, Melady, Panthalayani, Perambra, Thodannur, Thuneri, and Vadakara, and urban resource centre at Nadakkavu. There were, however, some hiccups. Two third of teachers said there were small barriers in the methodology and concept materials. One fourth were not able to involve their colleagues in the programme. One third of them did not use language games. One third of teachers were not able to implement their action plan they had prepared during training and they did not conduct English fests at schools. The study, quoting parents, said children showed more interest towards the language and wanted more stories to read. The parents provided story books and magazines and donated books to libraries. The programme was launched by Education Minister C. Raveendranath in Thiruvananthapuram in October.

Stay updated with all the Latest Kozhikode headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.