MIE - Edith Cowan University link programme

The MIE has had a link programme with the Edith Cowan University, Perth, Western Australia for almost 10 years now. This link allows the trainees from the University, along with their tutors, to come to Mauritius for training in the teaching of English Language to non-native speakers of English.

The trainees were posted in the schools of Mauritius, in Standards I & II, from Monday 1 October 2007 to Thursday 11 October 2007.  There were 36 Trainee teachers in all. They work in pairs in a classroom. MIE trainees were also posted as observers in the classrooms. The school normally benefits from the trainees as they obtain a number of teaching aids and resources from them as part of this programme,.

The schools were as follows:

Government Schools:

·         Baichoo Madhoo GS, Telfair Avenue, Quatre Bornes.

·         Beau Sejour Government school, Dr Y tier Ave, Belle Rose-Quatre Bornes.

·         Louis Nellan G. School, Berthaud  Ave, Quatre Bornes.

·         E. Rochecouste GS, Malartic Avenue, Quatre Bornes.

·         N. Saddul Government School, Jackson Road, Vacoas.

·         P. Sahadeo Government School, Hollyrood, Vacoas

BEC Schools

• Visitation RCA, Vacoas
• Eugène Dethise RCA, Belle Rose (Ex Belle-Rose RCA).

Several Schools have participated in this project over the last 9 years and they are all unanimous to acknowledge that our pupils learn a lot for this. It is also evident that our children, irrespective of the type of school, have ample talent and willingness to learn the English language. They feel perfectly at ease in the company of the Australian trainees, even when the latter do not know any French.

This programme is coordinated by Om Varma, Associate Professor and Head of Education Studies Department.

Workshops

The ECU tutors also held two workshops for MIE trainees on 5 October, 2007- (Teacher’s day)

Drama by Lynett Moss, specialist in drama. Drama is part of the school curriculum as an essential teaching strategy for languages. The Mauritius College of the Air has recorded the workshop for an educational programme.

Talking Books by Janet fellowes, specialist in Literacy. Trainee teachers were initiated into the development of talking books for primary school children. We intend to involve more trainees in this project and develop talking books that will be made available on our website soon.

Educational Films

The MCA has made a number of educational films based on the work of the trainees in the previous years, which are already available for schools to use. Then films on DVD are on sale at the National Resource Centre, Mauritius College of the Air, Reduit- Telephone: 403 8200. E Mail: mca@mca.ac.mu These films can be of use to teachers as well as parents who would wish to understand ways in which they can help their children develop language skills at home.