AY 2006-2007 Projects - Middle East and North Africa

Country                      Syria
City                            Damascus
Host Institution         Ministry of Higher Education

Project Description
The EL Fellow will conduct a full course on critical thinking for the English teachers at the Center. Workshops on the topic in academic year 2005-06 have revealed a great need and appetite for the subject. 2. Systematic observation of English classes throughout the year, with regular feedback to teachers about such topics as teaching style and approach; use of higher order thinking skill questions to promote analysis, synthesis, evaluation and application; group work; choice in the classroom; and the appropriate mix of teacher vs. student speaking. 3. Assistance to teachers in the use of new textbooks at the Center, to help them change from the integrative approach they now follow to skill-based teaching. 4. Training of teachers in the conduct of workshops and research. 5. Conduct of training workshops at the other three Syrian public universities, assisted, as a training step, by English teachers from the Damascus University ESP Center.