C2C English classes at SPRJK Trust in Mumbai
English language classes are a vital part of the C2C curriculum, with programs implemented at five partner centers in India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Both teachers and students recognize the importance of learning English due to its global use in business, trade, and commerce. C2C teachers believe that English shapes the way people see the world and that a solid command of English can increase their students’ job opportunities with multinational corporations. Additionally, they report that learning English is important because it is the language of education and libraries, as most reference books and internet websites are available mainly in English.
The innovative C2C curriculum is composed of both traditional teaching methods and activity-based learning designed to facilitate English language fluency. The activities include audio-visual technology, compositions, special projects, and games—some of which are combined to increase comprehension and retention.
For example, to teach vowels in a primary class, a teacher made a chart, wrote the vowels on students’ hands for recitation and recognition, and taught a poem about vowels in an audio-visual class. Teachers also introduce games—such as “pop sticks” in which students separate consonants and vowels into two containers—and provide worksheet coloring activities to help students visually remember the vowels.
In addition, the teachers also set up drama performances so students can practice fluency through vocalization, facial expressions, tones, and body language. “Drama empowers children to communicate confidently,” says one C2C teacher, “and it is also an effective way of learning the English language.” Example HERE.
While C2C teachers have found both fun and effective ways of teaching English, they still encounter difficulties in the classroom. The girls are all learning English as a second language, and they often do not have language-learning support at home. As a result, the English lessons can require multiple repeated sessions before students retain the knowledge.
To solve such issues, the teachers seek to facilitate positive, uplifting environments that encourage students to learn. They arrange friendly competitions to make learning English interesting and to foster a sense of challenge. The audio-visual elements, such as music, movies, and animation, add a spirit of fun and provide a different route of comprehension. Teachers also encourage students to have conversations in English, which aids in both speaking and comprehension, and keep them on track through monthly motivational sessions.
This multidimensional approach helps C2C girls enhance their vocabulary, imagination, and memory. Through writing, reading, and speaking, they learn how to recognize and correct their mistakes so they can continue to improve. This continued fluency in English helps set the girls on a path to self-sufficiency and a wider range of opportunities. As one student reports, “By receiving knowledge through the C2C English program, we are enlightened and also motivated to pursue our goals in life.”
Painting pots for English grammar practice at CBS in Bangladesh