1. Introduction

Training of Child Friendly School (CFS) teachers is one of the key activities in the ESCUP program, whereby teachers receive training in child friendly methodology and teaching strategies. Foundation Workshops (usually 6-10 days), classroom materials and follow up support (4 day refresher training, classroom support and monthly meetings with the Technical Support Group) are provided to those teachers who volunteer to become CFS teachers.

2. Primary Objectives

• For teachers to develop an understanding of the CFS philosophy and be able to implement the methodology in the classroom.
• For teachers to learn new teaching strategies to be used in conjunction with the textbook and curriculum.
• For teachers to know how to create attractive learning where children are active learners.

3. Target group

Teachers in model schools in ESCUP target schools

4. Information on Implementation

Before the school year starts, the ESCUP team prepares the Child Friendly School orientation for teachers in the target schools. The orientation takes half a day. The objectives of the orientation is to get participants to know and describe key points about CFS experimental classrooms.

ESCUP staff prepare the foundation training workshop to be implemented at the beginning of the school year. The key topics for teacher training are: child right sensitization, taxonomy of questions, cooperative learning, basic guideline in conducting student assessment, effective communication, critical and creative thinking, student portfolios, and managing child friendly classrooms.

A CFS teacher is also provided classroom materials for use in the classroom to the value of around $150, with a supplementary materials package for developing teaching and learning aids valued at approximately $22. For classroom set up, ESCUP staff initially had a display model (this was done in ESCUP 1). Subsequently, in ESCUP 2 teachers copy from their colleagues who are already CFS teachers.

In order to strengthen this intervention, ESCUP has created a cluster supervision system to help CFS teacher in a supportive and non-threatening way. This supervision system is called the Technical Support Group (TSG). TSG members are qualified teachers who have been selected from CFS teachers, deputy school directors and technical grade leaders. The main roles of TSGs are to run monthly technical meeting, do micro teaching, and produce practical teaching and learning materials as a prototype, as well as observe and support teachers in their classrooms. To do this work, TSGs are given a two-day foundation workshop.

To further upgrade and strengthen teacher capacity, ESCUP also provides the 4 day refresher training for CFS teachers during the summer vacation. As well, they are provided with an additional package of teaching and learning materials.

The formative assessment for CFS teachers is done monthly by TSGs using a classroom observation tool. As well, summative assessment, using a classroom observation checklist is completed at the end of semester 1 and 2. The aim of the summative assessment is to evaluate the quality and effectiveness of classroom teaching and learning as well as school improvement.

5. Resources Needed

• Teacher trainers
• Stationery for training
• Per diem for workshop attendance
• Technical documents