Grammar classes interspersed with trivia about South Africa and Zimbabwe's culture and geography were indeed a different kind of experience for the students of Stds. VI to IX of Velliveethiyar Corporation Girls Higher Secondary School, Madurai.
As part of a tie-up with Projects Abroad programme, the school students were taught the nuances of the English language, grammar and conversation skills by student volunteers from abroad. Simone Fourie, a law student from Capetown in South Africa and Annie Marie Sharples, medical student from Zimbabwe, were found busy teaching these students in their two-week programme.
Marie Sharples said she was surprised to see that their English was better than what they expected; in particular their grammar was excellent. They need practice to improve their speaking skills. Simone Fourie said she was very impressed with their English language skills, “it is just that they are shy to speak in English, they do not get opportunities to speak, so we gave exercises to improve their conversational skills.”
Innovative methods
She also said the volunteers who come to teach in the coming days should concentrate on their speaking skills by following new innovative methods. Both the volunteers expressed their happiness to have helped the students learn grammar and also to give them an idea about the African culture.
Sivadharani, a Std. IX student, said that the volunteers had aroused their interest to learn more, while concentrating on how they speak English by tuning in to English news channels and other television programmes.
Kaviya Ponmalar of Std. IX said that it was a new learning experience; the volunteers not only taught grammar, but talked about their climate, politics and culture.
Saranika of Std. VII said that one of the volunteers who took classes spoke about the tsunami and gave the details of how it occurs.
Kodishavarthani, Std. VII, said that we learnt a lot about direct speech, indirect speech and pronunciation skills.
Infantia Gladys, VII, said she was very happy to hear about South Africa and their leader Nelson Mandela from the volunteers.
This programme is taking place in the school since February. Volunteers from The Netherlands, England, Denmark, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Thailand, Germany Switzerland, Peru Canada and the U.S. have come and taught here. The programme primarily focuses on the English language but also has sessions on culture and geography, said D. Arumughasamy, Mathematics teacher. The programme was initiated by former Headmistress R. Radha. We are continuing with it successfully, said P. Meena, Headmistress.
