Part II.pdf - MTB-MLE Network

materials development, the research group trained bilingual (Lahu-Han) learning material developers
at the local level, and have developed La-Han bilingual learning materials based on the field survey
and needs assessment of the target learners.
Before materials development began, a team for materials development was formed and provided
with the necessary training in techniques for materials development. The materials development
team included researchers of RTCLE, grass roots literacy facilitators and the staff of the Lancang
Education Bureau. Two materials development workshops have been held. One was the Workshop
on La-Han Bilingual Learning Material Development, and the other a Workshop on La-Han Bilingual
Learning Material Improvement. At present, the materials developed in these workshops are being
field tested, and they will be revised and finalized based on the feedback from the field testing.
The steps for materials development were field surveying and needs assessment, working out the
framework for the materials and assigning the development work to individuals, developing the
Chinese version, making improvements to the Chinese version, translating the Chinese version into
the Lahu language, making improvements to the Lahu version, field testing the bilingual material,
and finally, making improvements based on the feed back from field use.
The material has been developed according to the document Guidelines for Literacy Curricular Reform
in China issued by the Ministry of Education, P.R.C. The document puts forward new criteria for
the literacy curriculum, which pays much more attention to the functionality of literacy. The general
curriculum includes five parts – Basic Chinese, Basic Mathematics, Knowledge and Skills for Family
Life, Knowledge and Skills for Civic Life, and Skills for Income Generation. The new curriculum
proposed by the Chinese Government has laid a sound foundation for the implementation of functional
literacy.
Based on the objectives of the project and the actual needs of Lahu people, La-Han bilingual learning
material has been developed focusing on practical La-Han language; practical mathematics; knowledge
and technology for family life; knowledge and skills for civic life; environment and health; and
knowledge and skills for income-generation.
Community learning centres for the Lahu to ensure the sustainable development
of bilingual literacy project
In order to ensure the smooth implementation of the bilingual literacy project and promote ongoing
learning by local people, the research group realized that it was necessary to establish community
managed learning centres to carry out bilingual literacy activities. Thus, with the mutual support
of UNESCO Bangkok, Lancang Education Bureau, local village commissions and community primary
schools, the project group has set up 2 community centres in Nanuoke and Banli in Lancang County.
Since the villagers of these two communities are living in poverty, it is difficult for them to raise
funds to establish community learning centres. In this case, with the support of local government
and primary schools, the community learning centres have been set up in the primary schools in
order to make use of resources such as teachers, classrooms and the school reading material. Thus,
formal education resources are helping to develop non-formal education projects. In Nanuoke and
Banli villages, the primary school teachers will teach literacy in the evenings, at weekends and
during vacations when the primary school is not in session.
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