75 teachers trained on tools, techniques

It is critically important for English teachers to train their students to master English as a second language in the fast changing world, speakers told a workshop in Khulna city yesterday.

The daylong training programme was organised by The Daily Star and telecom operator Robi Axiata Ltd at Hotel Castle Salam as part of their joint initiative "English in Schools", which aims at developing English language skills of secondary school students. 

A total of 75 teachers from 25 schools of three districts -- Khulna, Bagerhat and Jessore -- were introduced to modern tools and techniques for the effective teaching of English.

The event focused on hands-on training, demonstrations on essay writing, verbal presentation, and communicative English.

Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, consultant of EIS, The Daily Star, highlighted the necessity to learn multiple languages, and importance of communicative English.

TM Zakir Hossain, deputy director of Secondary & Higher Secondary Education, Khulna Region, stressed the need for improved communication skills.

Students should create a habit of speaking in English, said Ekram Kabir, vice president of Communications & Corporate Responsibility, Robi.

Maksuda Khanom, a teacher from Coronation Girls' High School, said, "Around 500 students of our school follow the EIS page. Since EIS covers syllabus-related grammar, it is tremendously helpful. However, this should include more writing tasks."

"This type of programme is very effective," added Swadesh Roy, from Khulna Collegiate Girls' School. "Both the design and contents of the page make English learning a joy. But I think EIS should conduct a survey and slightly redesign the page based on students' feedback."

The workshop was conducted by X-Cel team led by Shireen Hasan, the EIS page developer.