Part I.pdf - MTB-MLE Network

Country ReportsBangladeshThe process of materials production begins with linguistic analysis of the focus language. Throughcommunity consultation, an appropriate writing system is developed, and then secondary sourcesare consulted for curriculum development. In the Oraon pilot project, a review of existing governmentand NGO curriculum/materials took place and, through workshops, subjects and content areas wereselected. Three subjects were identified – literacy, mathematics and social/environmental studies.Local resource people participated in the development of primers, and then these instructionalmaterials were revised in workshops at the community level based on input coming from both teachersand students. The materials were then finalized and put into the class for testing.During Class 1, only the mother tongue is used. Englishis introduced, as a subject, in Class 2. Bangla will beintroduced in Class 3 in order to enable mainstreamingwhen students enter Class 4. Class 4 is not yet plannedfor the pilot programme, but would probably include themother tongue as a language of instruction with Banglaas a subject. According to government policy, mothertongue instruction can continue through Class 5. AfterClass 5, learners must go into the government system.Observation indicates that children who proceed throughthis system achieve at a much higher level than those inthe government school system.IndiaLiterature and instructional materials production in thepilot programme began with the recruitment andidentification of writers and artists from the local community. Topics and issues for inclusion inliteracy materials were also identified. Writers were trained in methods of material preparation,and participated in visits to the field in order that both writers and artists were familiar with localculture and values. Draft materials were then produced. Initial evaluation of materials took placeamong the writers through peer editing and evening sessions where the writers read aloud to eachother. Field testing happens when hand written materials are taken to the field. On the basis ofthe field testing, materials are revised and then an initial printing takes place. Evaluation, correctionand editing takes place before the final printing.A number of different graded reading materials have been developed to accompany literature forreaders. There are supplementary materials: Red (simple), Green (medium), and Blue (more difficult).“Improved Pace and Content of Learning” materials are available at 3 levels paralleling the nationallevel materials. Three are primers for adults. There are nine lessons per book and drills with revisionevery three lessons. Students are tested after three books are completed. This is done by the NationalLiteracy Mission who has adopted testing norms. It takes about 200 hours to complete the series39