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Breaking the myth: The Edith Cowan experience of teaching English language in the Mauritian primary schools.
http://www.mieonline.org/home/articles/443/1/Breaking-the-myth-The-Edith-Cowan-experience-of-teaching-English-language-in-the-Mauritian-primary-schools/Page1.html
Om Varma
Associate Professor, Education Studies Department, MIE 
By Om Varma
Published on 27/09/2006
 

Oomandra Nath Varma, Mauritius Institute of Education; Dr. Marion Milton, Edith Cowan University, Western Australia.

 

Abstract: The Edith Cowan University (ECU) in Western Australia has, with the support of the Mauritius Institute of Education (MIE), instituted a programme of teacher training which is carried out in the schools of Mauritius since 1996, essentially centered on teaching of English language. This paper provides an understanding of the historical context of language development in Mauritius and subsequently reports on the development of the teaching programme by the ECU trainees along with the perception of  a variety of stakeholders on the programme. It also   raises a few questions on some of the populist notions of teaching and learning of English and the organization of  teaching in primary schools of Mauritius. It points out to the complex nature of the language context in Mauritius which may be to the detriment of children whose potential to learn and use the English language is often underestimated.

Breaking the Myth

The Edith Cowan University (ECU) in Western Australia has, with the support of the Mauritius Institute of Education (MIE), instituted a programme of teacher training which is carried out in the schools of Mauritius since 1996. Mauritius is chosen as it offers a unique opportunity to immerse trainees in a context where English is not a currently spoken language. This paper reports on the development of the programme laying emphasis on the perception of  a variety of stakeholders on the programme, while  raising a few questions on some of the populist notions of teaching and learning English in primary schools of Mauritius. It will also help to assess the benefits derived by both Mauritian students and Australian trainees through the Edith Cowan experience.