On 23-27 May 2016, the three regional Centres of SEAMEO QITEP in Language, in Science and in Mathematics conducted Training on Quality Improvement for Teachers at SMP 1 Calang and SMA 1 Calang, Aceh Jaya Regency, Aceh Province. The training was a collaboration programme with the Office Education, Youth and Sports of Aceh Jaya Regency.

The regent of Aceh Jaya Regency, Mr Azhar Abdurrahman, officially opened the training. On that occasion, the three Centres signed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Office Education, Youth and Sports of Aceh Jaya Regency for the next five years (2016-2020). Regarding SEAMEO QITEP in Language, the Memorandum covered the agreement to conduct Continuous Professional Development activities for English language teachers in that Regency.

Mr Azhar Abdurrahman expected that through the training, teachers would update and upgrade their knowledge and skills, so that, they would be ready to face the ASEAN Economic Community: an era where there is no boundary or limitation for any skilled worker to seek jobs wherever they want within Southeast Asia region. Therefore, it is deem necessary for teachers to improve their competence in order to assist their students’ advancement. Besides, on that occasion, Head of the Education Office, Youth and Sports of Aceh Jaya Regency, Mr Yusuf.A, elucidated that, since 2013, teachers in that Regency had participated trainings held by various institutions in Indonesia. Nevertheless for Fiscal Year 2016, the Education Office decided to invite experts from SEAMEO QITEPs to conduct trainings in the regency so that more teachers would be able to participate.

Forty-three English language teachers comprising 20 junior and 23 senior high schools joined the training which aimed to enhance the competence and professionalism in teaching English language using the paradigm of text-based instruction and the 2013 Curriculum. To achieve the aim, the Centre invited Ms Yenny Sukhriani (SMAN 60, Jakarta) and Ms Endang Nilla Pramowardhanny (SEAMEO QITEP in Language) as the resource persons.

During the training, the participants gained lots of information about the 2013 Curriculum particularly English language learning models. They also learnt about text-based instruction, the literacy programme development in school, language learning models and assessment. At the end of the training, the participants were assigned to do real teaching in front of SMP and SMA students based on their previously developed lesson plans.

The Regent of Aceh Jaya Regency, Mr Azhar Abdurrahman, delivers his opening remarks

English Participants of Secondary School Level at SMA 1 Calang

English Participants of Junior High School at SMP 1 Calang

Participants prepare their lesson plan for real teaching