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project summary
In-Service English Teacher Training Project

project goals & context

teacher conference

Within the Chinese education system, English-language training has emerged as an important focus due to its role in accessing higher education and professional opportunities. In recognition of this growing importance, Trace Foundation began supporting English teacher training in 1999. In 2005, the Foundation expanded this focus through the establishment of the In-Service English Teacher Training Project (ISETT), a three-year initiative to improve the quality of English teaching at partner Tibetan-medium middle schools in Qinghai and Gansu provinces.

project description

sharing educational techniques

English instruction is part of China’s national curriculum priorities and a key component of China’s college entrance examinations. Students with English proficiency can access a broader range of higher education programs, including subjects vital to the development of Tibetan regions. English is also increasingly integral to many professional development and job opportunities. In Qinghai and Gansu provinces, however, Tibetan English teachers often lack sufficient training, and English instruction is one of the least developed areas in the curriculum of Tibetan-medium schools. Through intensive training, the ISETT project focuses on increasing Tibetan English teachers’ skills in English-language proficiency, student-centered teaching methodology, and implementation of China’s national English curriculum. Project activities focus on:

planned activities

compiling a textbook

In-service training for Tibetan English teachers: Native-English-speaking instructors conduct in-service trainings for Tibetan English teachers at participating middle schools to improve teachers’ English language capacity, teaching methodologies, and implementation strategies for China’s national English curriculum.

Intensive winter-break training: Participating Tibetan English teachers will continue to improve their language proficiency and teaching methodologies through intensive trainings during school winter breaks.

achievements to date

In-service training for English teachers:

Intensive winter break training:

Additional resource support:

 

project: quick facts

duration:   May 2005 – July 2008

budget: $1,500,000
(TF Contribution $546,856; 36%)

location: Qinghai & Gansu Provinces,

ISETT project partners: