Thirty-six teachers--21 women and 15 men--are taking part in the Church World Service Rural Teachers Training Program (RTTP) in Karachi. The program is also benefiting the teachers' 450 students.

The Rural Teacher Training Program is helping to bridge the gap between teaching standards in the more privileged private schools, largely located in urban centers, and the less-privileged schools in rural areas.

Through the program, CWS-P/A is working to create appropriate teaching environments which can provide meaningful education to children living in rural and underdeveloped areas. To enhance the students' ability to think critically, creative and innovative learning methods are emphasized as an alternative to commonly used rote learning methods. Teachers learn about the negative impacts of corporal punishment and how to positively reinforce behavior. A friendly teaching-learning environment is encouraged, which fosters mutual respect between students and teachers.

The program is strengthening the teachers' understanding of teaching concepts; equipping the teachers with skills to enable them to integrate various subjects; providing a platform for exchange of ideas and experiences between teachers and students from different schools; helping teachers develop an open, collaborative environment in their classrooms; and encouraging a sense of self-worth so the teacher confidence in practicing new ideas is developed.

The teachers use simple concepts like variety, audibility, pronunciation, pace, pitch, emphasis, pause, energy and enthusiasm, eye contact, gestures and movement, stance, confidence, and use of notes. They also learn how to utilize visual aids, and they cover classroom management, cooperative learning skills, and motivational skills.

6/10/2008