Afghan medical English teachers from six provinces learned how to create student-centered classrooms and inject fun into their lessons during a training course facilitated by the USAID-funded Higher Education Project (HEP). Eight English faculty members from medical schools in Kabul, Balkh, Kandahar, Kapisa, Khost, and Nangarhar participated in the training from May-June 2010, learning how to use modern methodology and create a more active learning environment.
English teachers in Afghanistan’s medical schools have to battle with large class numbers, lack of facilities, and few teaching materials. A lively learning environment and access to modern resources will produce doctors better equipped to improve healthcare delivery in Afghanistan. The faculty members who participated in the HEP course will implement their new skill set in the medical school classroom to encourage students. A specialized Medical English Resource Book written by project staff will be available to the teachers in July 2010.
A faculty member from Khost said, "I learned a lot about methodology and will use the new ideas to make my lessons more interesting for the students." HEP trainers will visit each of the provinces regularly to observe the teachers’ progress and provide guidance.