What We Do
We offer an interactive, practice-based eLearning curriculum designed for private school student mentors, even those with no previous teaching experience. A teacher orientation helps mentors get started followed by shadowing class and then teaching classes with a experienced mentor. Private School Mentors are from 9th to 12th grade and teach govt. students at least 2 grades younger in 3rd to 10th grade. The below flow describes how our program works:
To synchronize teaching English as a Second Language, Beginner English should ideally be taught 2-4 years AFTER govt. school students start learning English (traditionally in 1st grade). We recommend starting these module from the 3rd to 5th grade. The course syllabus for each CEFR level will be 40 lessons including assessments. Given tests and other constraints, 10-11 lessons can be realistically taught in one government school semester. So a CEFR level will extend over 4 government school semesters or two grades/academic years. Lessons will be taught in weekly classes, typically on a Saturday as it is a holiday for private school students, but working for government schools. We suggest mentors be from at least 2 grades above – with Students in 9th – 12th grades who will be mature enough to run classes. To ensure proper class management and supervision of small group activities, at least 2 peer teachers are recommended for each session. We also recommend the Govt. School teacher of the class be present to help manage the class. If not, we recommend an adult (parent or driver, etc. of one of the mentors) be present during the class to help teach and also bring gravitas to the class. Finally, while the class is conducted in English, especially at the beginning stages, we recommend one of the mentors/teachers know the local language (Kannada).
Curriculum and Pedagogy
Our content follows the globally recognized CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) for language learning. Given the plethora of European languages, the Council of Europe (CoE) created these standards based upon actual competencies to use the langauge from very basic to expert levels based upon what the users can deal with in real life. Through peer learning, private school students (native English speakers) teach government school students spoken English, from beginner to fluent. We also use technology to run the classes using a learning management system on a Tech platform which helps match, assign and track student-mentors and government school classes. Finally, each lesson uses a highly interactive elements with videos and activities in a structured pedagogy for each class which is ideal for teaching practical skills - Gagne's Nine Events of Instruction as shown in the diagram.
This approach makes learning fun and easy while bridging two different worlds and enriching both groups.
Click the icons below to explore our Spoken English courses!
Beginner
CEFR A1 Level: Introduce themselves, use familiar expressions and phrases, and engage in basic conversation like self-introduction.
Elementary
CEFR A2 Level: Use context-specific expressions, explain aspects of their background and environment, and complete simple language tasks.
Intermediate
CEFR B1 Level: Give information on familiar topics, handle common travel situations, describe/explain experiences, dreams, and plans.
Conversant
CEFR B2 Level: Talk about complex, concrete and abstract topics, fluently with native speakers, clearly explain various subjects or different options.
