By: Diane V Lim
Education is a powerful tool that has the potential to transform lives and create opportunities. However, not all students have equal access to quality education, and many may struggle with fundamental skills like literacy and numeracy. In response to this challenge, Teach Anywhere, a collaboration between AHA Learning Center, AdZU’s Learning and Teaching Excellence Center (ALTEC), and the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation, brings the Teach at the Right Level (TaRL) program to schools in Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga City, and Sorsogon. TarL is a 60-day program designed to address this challenge head-on, providing targeted interventions to students who need them the most.
The first batch of grade school and ALS teachers of the DepEd Schools Division of Zamboanga City at the Teach at the Right Level (TaRL) Training in Ateneo de Zamboanga University.
Bridging the Gap in Literacy in Numeracy
TaRL is a specialized program that offers a lifeline to students in need of intervention in literacy and numeracy. By focusing on individual needs and tailoring instruction accordingly, TaRL helps these students build a solid foundation for their academic journey. The ultimate goal is to ensure that no student remains a non-reader or non-numerate.
Developing Essential Skills
TaRL not only addresses literacy and numeracy but also cultivates a broad range of essential skills. Students engage in activities that promote active listening, keen observation, confident speaking, practical application, reading and writing proficiency, peer learning, and teamwork, and other essential skills for success in the 21st century.
Teacher Jowella of AHA Learning Center facilitates the training with the grade school teachers of the DepEd Schools Division of Zamboanga City.
Measuring Progress with Assessments
To track the students’ progress effectively, TaRL employs three key assessments: the Baseline, Midline, and Endline Assessments. Each assessment takes just one minute per student, providing valuable insights into their individual growth. These assessments allow educators to tailor their teaching strategies and activities to the specific needs of each student.
Effective Teaching Strategies and Activities
The success of TaRL lies in its proven and effective teaching strategies and activities. Teachers undergo training provided by the Teach Anywhere coalition, equipping them with the necessary tools to implement the program successfully.
Participants in the TaRL Training do the activity as teachers, students, and observers.
Cost-Efficient Approach
One of the most notable advantages of TaRL is its low-cost nature. Teachers utilize high-quality yet affordable interventions and materials. Teachers can even utilize resources readily available in the vicinity of their learning spaces such as stones, branches, or plant stems found on campus, minimizing the need for expensive materials.
TaRL Teachers create simple and fun materials for their activities.
Time-Saving Implementation
TaRL optimizes teaching and learning by focusing on foundational skills within a short timeframe. The program requires a 60-hour implementation period for remediation, allowing teachers and students to concentrate on the necessary skills. Implementation schedules may vary, with some schools conducting one-hour sessions from Monday to Friday, while others opt for 30-minute sessions within the same timeframe.
The impact of TaRL is being felt in various regions, including Zamboanga Sibugay, specifically 36 schools in the Kabasalan District, two schools in Zamboanga City, and ten schools in Sorsogon.
Teach at the Right Level is a beacon of hope for students who require intervention in literacy and numeracy. By providing targeted instruction, nurturing essential skills, and incorporating effective assessments, TaRL empowers students to overcome educational challenges. Its cost-efficient and time-saving approach ensures that more students receive the support they need to thrive academically. As TaRL continues to expand its reach, we can look forward to a future where every child has the opportunity to succeed and unlock their full potential.
More photos here.
