Interactive Teacher Training in Siem Reap
ACE Provides Quality Support to Teachers in Rural Communities
An Interview with William Coward, ACE Siem Reap Campus Manager
What Is Interactive Teacher Training in Siem Reap (ITTSR)?
Interactive Teacher Training in Siem Reap is a workshop-based teacher training program formed in response to irregular teaching methodology in under-resourced rural schools around Siem Reap. Teachers from local communities learn useful techniques they can apply in their remote schools, with the aim of improving education delivery and the learning experience of children.
What Is ACE’s Connection to ITTSR?
The Australian Centre for Education (ACE) has been involved with ITTSR since 2016, providing advice and support on curriculum design and teaching facilities, free of charge; workshops are held every Saturday at ACE Siem Reap campus. Four ACE teachers were involved in the original course in 2016 including Alyson Morris who is the Head Teacher, Curriculum Developer and Content Writer of the ITTSR course. Chean Phorn has worked at ACE for over two years and is also a valued teacher trainer who worked on the translation of the in-course glossary. Chheang Ratana, a lead teacher, and Sim Channang, a teacher, at ACE Siem Reap campus were also involved.
What Are ITTSR’s Aims and Objectives?
The overall mission of ITTSR is EMPOWERMENT through EDUCATION:
- Increase access to quality training for teachers
- Improve teachers’ skills and knowledge
- Increase the use of child-friendly and participative methods
- Enhance children’s views of teachers and methods
- Teach teachers to share their skills and knowledge
- Increase teachers’ access to resources and peer networks
What Are the Benefits of ITTSR?
We get to know the teachers and visit them at their schools. The struggles, aims and needs of each teacher are evaluated and individual support and guidance is given by trainers. Every trainee will improve their teaching quality and the level of education in their village schools. Training is provided to anyone who is working or volunteering at a non-government school, with little or no formal teacher training due to marginalisation or a lack of funds.
Was the Last Course Successful?
The 2019 course was not only successful but far exceeded expectations. We started with 20 teachers, 18 of whom graduated after passing the 30-week course. All teachers have shown significant improvement in many areas, including classroom management and motivation, building rapport with learners and lesson planning.
“As soon as I heard about the course I thought, ‘I want to join!’, and I was very lucky to get a place. The ITTSR workshops are amazing and now I use the materials in lots of ways and know how to adapt activities too. I have met other teachers and I love sharing ideas with them, and I also feel I have developed as a teacher and know more about my role and responsibilities. The classes I teach used to be quiet but now they are really energetic! My students find the new teaching styles effective and have learned a lot too.”
Soury Phonn, PEPY Empowering Youth
What Is Hands Across the World?
ITTSR is run by Hands Across The World (HATW), an Australian not-for-profit organisation established in 2013 that uses educational programs to help rural communities. HATW believes if quality education is given to all children in a safe environment with qualified teachers, they will have the chance to choose a better path for their futures.
How Does ACE Continue Supporting ITTSR?
ACE provides support to HATW and the ITTSR program as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. The most recent course was extremely successful in achieving its objectives and ITTSR is looking forward to running another course in 2020.
To donate, visit:
https://makingadifference.gofundraise.com.au/page/HandsAcrosstheWorld2019
To learn more about ITTSR and Hands Across the World, check out the Facebook pages:
https://www.facebook.com/ITTSR/
https://www.facebook.com/handsatw/