Transforming Teacher Training and English Language Learning in Maharashtra
The State Institute of English (SIE), Aurangabad, recognized a critical need for improved English language instruction in Maharashtra's schools. This challenge was complex, requiring not only enhanced pedagogical skills and content knowledge for teachers but also the development of a captivating and effective curriculum for students. To address these needs, we partnered with SIE, under the leadership of Dr. Ujjwal Karawande, to design and implement a comprehensive program aimed at transforming English language teaching and learning across the state.
A case study of collaboration with Ujjwal Karande [Department Head, English Language, State Institute of English, Aurangabad]
Transforming Teacher Training and English Language Learning in Maharashtra
About
Key Approach
Strengthening Teacher Education, Enabling Academic Leadership
Scale
District
Key Expertise
Co-Implement Programs, Co-Create Content
Future-Ready Skills
Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, Digital Literacy
The Intervention
Our collaboration with SIE involved a multi-faceted approach to program design, monitoring and evaluation, training, and curriculum development. We facilitated in-depth brainstorming sessions with SIE stakeholders, resulting in a data-driven program scale strategy. Recognizing the importance of robust evaluation, we supported the creation of 25 monitoring and evaluation (M&E) tools and provided comprehensive training on M&E best practices.
To equip teachers with the necessary skills, we developed and delivered an extensive training program, encompassing over 20 days of professional development workshops. These workshops covered a wide range of topics, including planning, evaluation, team management, and best practices in online learning. We also provided over 60 hours of individualized handholding support to teachers over several months, ensuring they had the resources and guidance needed to overcome challenges and make informed decisions.
In addition to teacher training, we designed and launched an innovative Spoken English course specifically tailored to the needs of Maharashtra's teachers and students. This course featured engaging activities, interactive learning modules, and a strong emphasis on practical communication skills, fostering a dynamic and effective learning environment.
Watch us in action
Challenges
Implementing a program of this magnitude across a vast geographical area presented various challenges. Coordinating training sessions, ensuring consistent quality of instruction, and addressing the diverse needs of teachers from different backgrounds required ongoing effort and adaptability. To overcome these hurdles, we provided continuous support through co-visits, dry runs, debriefs, and continuous feedback loops. Our team worked closely with Dr. Karawande and the SIE staff, fostering a collaborative environment that allowed for program adaptation and refinement, ultimately ensuring its successful execution.
Scale
District
Key Expertise
Co-Implement Programs, Co-Create Content
Future-Ready Skills
Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, Digital Literacy
A case study of collaboration with Ujjwal Karande [Department Head, English Language, State Institute of English, Aurangabad]
Transforming Teacher Training and English Language Learning in Maharashtra
Key Approach
Strengthening Teacher Education, Enabling Academic Leadership
Highlights
A significant highlight of our partnership was the impressive scale and reach achieved by the program. Over 20,800 teachers enrolled in the Spoken English course, with more than 12,900 successfully completing it. This widespread participation translated into a substantial impact, as over 260,000 children directly benefited from the innovative spoken English activities introduced in their classrooms. The program's success demonstrated the power of collaboration and the potential for large-scale educational initiatives to effect meaningful change.
Impact and the Road Ahead
The outcomes of our partnership with SIE have been immensely encouraging. We have observed a 25% increase in teachers who report feeling confident in their ability to teach English effectively. This positive shift in teacher capacity has, in turn, led to improved student learning outcomes, as evidenced by sustained classroom teaching practices and increased student engagement in English language activities.
As we look to the future, we remain committed to our collaboration with SIE, aiming to further refine and expand the program's reach. Our vision is to create a future where every child in Maharashtra has access to high-quality English language instruction, empowering them to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.