Last date for nomination: TBA
About This Course
Course Objectives
The course focuses on English as a tool for real communication and expression of one's own ideas. Sounds, colours, movements, rhythms and other sensory experiences not only make learning meaningful for teachers and children, it actually helps them internalize the methods, process, and also the materials. Additionally, there is an inclusion of art and rhythm as a method in itself for teaching language.Course Outcomes
- Participants will learn to assess the learning levels of students, master basic communication, phonetic awareness, vocabulary – and by using these skills, will develop their oral and written expression through simple sentences within a short span of time.
- A perspective on learning and teaching of English language and more specifically for the first generation students will be gained; use of mother language in learning English is imperative.
- Helpful strategies will be learnt encouraging learners to find their creative spirit and develop ways to communicate their inner world.
- Participants will explore their thoughts and express them, using simple music and free-flowing art to find their own voice.
- The learners will be able to understand the importance and logic of the pedagogy and materials and will use the learning materials efficiently.
- The mindset will undergo changes as to break from traditional mode of teaching; will feel equipped and confident about teaching the students back home including the ones with learning problems.
Pre-requisites
This course is meant for educators who teach students between 8 to 12+ years old to learn and understand basic English and make themselves understood. Ideally a coordinator and a teacher is the best combination. It is mandatory that only those who will work directly with children and teachers and try the module out at least for 2 years, come for the workshop. Ability to understand basic English and make oneself understood. Explanations will be done in Hindi or Bengali. The course serves as an orientation to Basic English for teachers who are not very comfortable with English themselves.Expected Commitment
Phase 1: 4 days × 6 hours + after class assignments.Phase 2: 4 days
Group and individual work during training.
Actual work with children - expected minimum 45 minutes - maximum 1 hour every day or 4 times a week.
The entire program is based on hands-on activities, extensive use of TLMs, practice and interaction.
Every organization must have an English coordinator/supervisor who can help, monitor and communicate with the chief English Facilitator while trying the program out in their classrooms.
It is necessary that the same participants attend both Phases 1 and 2. Different participants for the two different phases will not serve the purpose.
Course Details
Phase 1 (Sep 7-10, 2026) mastering basic communication • phonetic awareness • vocabulary – and by using these skills, develop oral and written expression through simple sentences within a short span of time (4-6 months). Art and music to reinforce the learning process.
Phase 2 (Feb 1-4, 2027) creative writing skills and essential grammar enabling learners to comprehend a text and learn the skills of answering questions. Art is to be an intrinsic part of the program.
Facilitator(s):
- Sudeshna Sinha
- Maura Hurley
- Biswajit Chitrakar
About The Resource Organization
Shikshamitra began as an alternative school and education resource centre in 2005. Currently, Shikshamitra founder and staff work independently but continue to offer specific training modules in Foundational Literacy (languages Bengali, English) and Math, Creative Writing, Developing Worksheets, Running Libraries as Open Learning Spaces and Art Education, along with its material resources for teachers to influence and improve the education of first-generation school goers. Designing and producing TLMs in-house for mathematics and languages have been a core area of the organization.
Facilitators
Sudeshna Sinha
By profession Sudeshna Sinha is a special educator, and has been largely involved in establishing experimental elementary schools: Aashirvad Vidyalaya at St. Joseph’s School and Shikshamitra in Kolkata. Her expertise is in developing curriculum, appropriate pedagogy, materials, books, and assessment tools. Sudeshna is the founder of Shikshamitra, which has been working as an education resource and teacher training centre. Sudeshna is dedicated to teacher training at the elementary level and she excels at motivating, supporting and creating inspired, caring teachers. Sudeshna is also involved in writing and preparing books and documents for teachers and children in lucid language. She has designed methods and materials for effective teaching, especially in languages. Sudeshna splits her time as a resource teacher for different NGOs, and for teacher centres in Kolkata, Digantar, and Rajasthan. She has close connections to Azim Premji University and Wipro Foundation and is a resource consultant/advisor to an alternative school in Bangladesh and Techno India Group of Schools at Ariadaha and West Bengal.
Maura Hurley
Maura Hurley is an art educator who has successfully run a community library out of her home for over 25 years. She incorporates story books, environment, sustainability, and experiential learning in all of her sessions. Maura has been one of the main coordinators of the Shikshamitra arts program and library, helping to develop and conduct Shikshamitra’s Libraries as Open Learning Spaces workshops. She is currently also the in-house art & design person at Shikshamitra.
Biswajit Chitrakar
Biswajit Chitrakar - Beginning his career as a youth leader in CINI Asha, Kolkata, Biswajit transformed into a devoted and creative teacher. At Shikshamitra, he was the chief coordinator and continues to specialize in maths for primary level and up to Class 6. Presently, Biswajit continues to conduct the Shikshamitra maths training sessions for teachers in government and private schools, and at NGO-run centres; and an integral part of all trainings and materials created and offered by Shikshamitra. He also heads the Saturday education projects for women and children at a community center run by Her Future Coalition.
