Teach English for Life (TELL) Classroom Observation Activity Data Analysis Report

The program aims to improve the skills of primary school English teachers in using the strategies and methods introduced in the newly developed English for Ethiopia textbooks and teachers' guides. In 2010, TELL trained 24,963 grade 1 and 2 teachers. To assess the implementation of the strategies and methods used by TELL-trained teachers, the program conducted a classroom observation activity in sample schools across 11 regions in April 2010. The observation activity aimed to measure the extent to which TELL-trained teachers are using the strategies and methods in the classroom. A total of 96 supervisors, selected by the Regional Education Bureaus (REBs), were trained in classroom observation skills and data collection instruments. These supervisors observed 562 teachers in rural and urban schools. The classroom observation protocol, developed by TELL, consists of four sections: teacher background, teacher interview, classroom observation, and teacher reflection. The protocol was used to collect data from the observed classrooms. The data was analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The results of the analysis indicate that TELL-trained teachers have a high level of understanding of the strategies and methods, a high level of comfort in using them in the classroom, and that they are used regularly in the classroom. The analysis also reveals that student-centered methods are well understood and used often in the classroom. However, the use of teacher-centered methods is still prevalent. The qualitative analysis suggests that factors such as varying levels of student abilities, large class sizes, short class periods, and a lack of materials limit the use of TELL strategies and methods. Despite these challenges, the results of the classroom observations indicate that 89.4% of the observed strategies were considered to be effectively implemented. The TELL program has been working with the MEO, TLMP, and USAID to train 25,000 grade 1 and 2 teachers since October 2009. The program works through the TELL Technical Team (TTM), which is comprised of members from the MEO, USAID, and the TELL program. The TTM guides and oversees TELL program activities, establishes regional targets for teacher training, and assigns program monitors. The TTM also communicates activity guidelines to the Regional Education Bureaus (REBs) and schedules monitoring of activities. The TELL program has made significant progress in improving the skills of primary school English teachers in Ethiopia. The program has trained a large number of teachers and has implemented a comprehensive classroom observation activity to assess the implementation of the strategies and methods used by TELL-trained teachers. The results of the classroom observations indicate that TELL-trained teachers are using the strategies and methods effectively, and that student-centered methods are being used often in the classroom. The TELL program has also established a strong partnership with the MEO, TLMP, and USAID to support the implementation of the program. The program has a clear structure and guidelines for implementing activities, and it has a strong technical team that oversees the program. The program's progress and achievements demonstrate its potential to improve the quality of English language instruction in Ethiopia. The TELL program has also identified areas for improvement, such as the need to address the challenges faced by teachers in implementing the strategies and methods. The program has also identified the need to provide more support to teachers in using student-centered methods and to address the lack of materials and resources in some schools. Despite these challenges, the program has made significant progress in improving the skills of primary school English teachers in Ethiopia.