A comprehensive training program is currently underway to equip primary school teachers with the skills necessary to effectively teach the Lao language to non-Lao speaking students.
This initiative, known as the Spoken Lao Program, is a collaboration between the Ministry of Education and Sports and the Australian government, developed through the Basic Education Quality and Access in Laos (BEQUAL) project.
Since its introduction in 2019, the Spoken Lao Program has undergone extensive testing and refinement. The goal is to improve the language skills of children who start school without prior knowledge of Lao.
Tackling the growing need for effective language education, the program expanded to 21 districts in the 2023-2024 fiscal year, thanks in part to additional support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
To foster collaboration and gather insights, the Lao Research Institute for Education Science (RIES), under the Ministry of Education and Sports, organized a stakeholder forum for the Spoken Lao Program on 11 July. This event provided an opportunity to discuss the challenges teachers face in implementing the new curriculum, emphasizing the importance of ongoing support and resources for educators.
So far, over 14,500 teachers, principals, and support staff have participated in the training. The program covers a wide range of topics, including effective language teaching methods, support strategies, and hands-on practice with the Spoken Lao Program activities. This extensive training aims to equip teachers with the tools they need to succeed in their roles.
As part of their professional development, teachers are learning innovative techniques and utilizing various resources, such as instructional videos and a dedicated teacher support pack. These materials are designed to enhance their teaching effectiveness and provide clear guidance in the classroom.
Ultimately, the launch of the Spoken Lao Program seeks to ensure that all non-Lao speaking Grade 1 children receive the language support they need to thrive in school. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Ministry of Education and Sports to improve the overall quality of education in Laos.
