“Ensuring Quality Formal and Non-formal Education through the Access Program” Teacher Training

The end of the year is the best time to reflect upon the achievements you have had, to evaluate your 

work and, most importantly, to make an action plan for the following year. That is why at the end of each year, we gather all the Access instructors together to a teacher training during which they can share from their experience. On December 12, 2015, the current Access instructors and their assistants participated in the "Ensuring Quality Formal and Non-formal Education through the Access 

Program" Teacher Training in Chisinau.

This event was a perfect opportunity for the teachers from Edinet, Ribnita, Hincesti, Grigoriopol and Causeni who are about to finish the program, to pass their best practices, and share their proficiency with the new generation of teachers from Taraclia, Vulcanesti, Anenii Noi and Soroca.

   The "Ensuring Quality Formal and Non-formal Education through the Access Program" Teacher Training was officially opened by the American Councils Moldova Country Director, David Jesse, who stressed upon the importance to develop and maintain an innovative character of the Access Program non-formal education model  and outlined the new perspectives of the Moldovan quality-based education development.   

    The coordinator of the program, Olga Morozan, introduced the new members into the philosophy and methodology of the Access Program and made a presentation on integrating Content-based Instruction through Co-Teaching. 

Introduction Into Access Program Philosophy & Methodology

Content-based Instruction  

Moreover, Corina Ceban, the Access teacher from Balti, who has been involved in the program since it was open in Moldova for the first time (2010), imparted her impressions about the wonderful instruction and educational exchange month she spent last summer in the USA, being selected to  participate in the SUSI Program.

Seeing with New Eyes the Education: SUSI Program 

In addition to that, the teacher from Edinet, Emma Matreniuc, who had attended the previous summer (July, 2015) the  Access International Conference in Sibiu, outlined the key elements of the  practical approaches to Integrate Core-subjects into EFL Classes through Content-based Instruction, presenting the thematic unit "Holidays Marathon" - a common methodological outcome of the international collaboration of 10 Access fellows from Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ukraine and Moldova.

Integrating Core-subjects into EFL Classes through Content-based Instruction: Thematic Unit "Holidays Marathon" 

 The practical value was b enriched by  active discussions 6  most experienced  Access teachers and teacher assistants  initiated  within 4 Access Literacy Centers to offer experiential solutions of the issues related to:

 (1) Dealing with Teaching Multilevel and  Mixed-ability Access  Classes (monitored by: Daria Prozorovschi, our Access- Hincesti teacher)

(2) Ensuring Authentic Assessment and Evaluation in the Access Instruction (monitored by Corina Ceban, Access Balti teacher);

(3) Maintaining Access Students' Motivation & Program Retention (monitored by Emma Matreniuc, Access Edinet teacher), and 

(4) the Access Teacher Assistant's Work (monitored by Doina Morari, Access program assistant, Iulia Sorocan, Access-Edinet teacher assistant, and Olga Taran, Access-Grigoriopol teacher assistant).

   It  was also a perfect occasion for the teaching assistants to talk about their most successful community projects, to reflect upon the obstacles they have had to overcome, the stages they have gone through and to talk about the impact these projects have had on their students and on their communities. In addition to that, a few tips for working with Movies in the Classroom, as well as some exciting games and activities have been shared with them by the Access Program assistant, Doina Morari.

   Furthermore, special guests joined the event. APAO Kate Bartlett from the U.S. Embassy Chisinau didn't miss the chance to meet all the people who put so much effort to make the English Access Microscholarship Program Moldova successful in their regions, to thank them for their hard work, to welcome the new members, and to encourage them at the launch of a new exciting experience.

  A delightful addition to this intensive and productive day was the traditional Secret Santa, an activity that allows the teachers and teaching assistants to get closer to each other and to bring the Christmas spirit around.

   All and all, the teacher training was very productive, intensive, and a lot of fun, given that the members of the Access Program Moldova are always happy to see each other and spend time together.

Below are the presentations about the final projects made by the Access teacher assistants from Causeni, Edinet, Hincesti, Grigoriopol and Ribnita:

• Iulia Sorocan, Edinet- "Different, but Equal";

• Anastasia Cebotari, Causeni- "Learn English Through Creativity "

• Petru Simon, Hincesti- "A Holiday for Everybody"

• Olga Taran, Grigoriopol- "Bringing Change through the Access Projects"

• Nicolae Gladuneac, Ribnita- "The Struggle for the Environment"

Photo Gallery

Access-Bender Alumni: "A Healthy Mind in a Healthy Body from Childhood"

      1. General Information:

1.1. Access site: Bender

1.2. Project title:  "A Healthy Mind in a Healthy Body from Childhood"

1.3.Project Coordinator: Perju Diana, Access Bender Alumna

2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

2.1. Project Duration: November, 1- December, 19

      2.2.General project description :

Participation in sports is extremely important, and should be encouraged much more. Children and young people in particular need to go in for sport so that they could develop good habits that they could continue into adulthood. The main benefits of sport are improved health and fitness, and the development of social and communication skills. So, this is why we agreed to give the opportunity to practice sport to the children from the kindergarten near our school. 

2.3 Project justification (what the problem(s) the project will address):  

To encourage practicing sport from a very young age, because sports also allow people to develop personally. Social and communication skills can be learned and developed practicing sport. Teamwork, for example, is naturally learned by participating in team sports and games. Our Access students would like to promote the statement “A healthy mind in a healthy body from childhood” and help the children to develop themselves and turn their energy into something beneficial for them.

   2.4. Project main goal(s):

    1. To promote the importance of sport.

    2. To help the children to develop themselves by providing the sport equipment.

   2.5. Project objectives: (the actions the goal(s) will be achieved through)

  1. To explain to the children the importance of sport.

  2. To prepare greetings for children.

  3. To play some games altogether.

  4. To inspire them to become great persons.

 5. To learn to appreciate the result of their activities by giving free hugs and free kisses.

2.6. Project key personnel:

1. Perju Diana

2.Ghincul Claudia

3.Dabas Muna

4.Haritonov Ana

5.Tatar Daniel

6.Schiopu Olga

7 Tucicov Dmitri

8 Ivanov Anna

9 Cara Victoria

10 Anton Oxana

 2.7. Project partners (national or international):

1. Lyceum “Alexandru cel Bun”

2. School 18

3. Kindergarten №42

4. City Hall

5 Sport school from Bender

To visualize the project proposal, click on the document from below: 

Access Bender Alumni Project: "A Healthy Mind in a Healthy Body from Childhood"

PROJECT OUTCOMES:

Access-Balti Alumni: "A Healthy Mind in a Healthy Body"

1.     General Information:

1.1. Access site: BALTI

1.2. Project title: A Healthy Mind in a Healthy Body

1.3.Project Coordinator (name/surname, phone number, email): Dumbravanu Daniel

2.     PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

        2.1. Project Duration: the 1^st of December, 2015- the 25^th of December, 2015         

2.2.General project description: In winter people have little time for outdoor activities or games. We think that to be healthy is in fashion now and the idea of the project comes from the young pupils who are eager to practice sport and have sport competition all year round. Both boys and girls need, besides school and homework, an active way of life.

2.3.Project justification:  Sometimes pupils have little time to practice sport or even have no desire. This is the problem that a lot of teachers and parents see. Computers are the best pupils’ toys. We would like our young pupils to change their computers on balls and ropes. To make it more interactive we intend to have sport competitions.

        2.4. Project main goal:

                      1. To promote the active and healthy life style.

              

2.5. Project objectives:

  1. To involve teachers and pupils in sport activities/competition.

  2. To make pupils understand the importance of sport in their life.

  3. To organize sport competitions at the school level.

  4. To make parents pay attention to their children’s interests and hobbies.

2.6. Project key personnel:

1. Dumbravanu Daniel, pupil, football national champion

2. Neamtu Andrei, pupil

3. Burlacu Verginia, pupil

4. Cabac Ion, pupil, ACCESS alumnus

5. Tonjoc Valentina, teacher of PE, V.Alecsandri lyceum

 2.7. Project partners:

1. V.Alecsandri lyceum

2. Secondary school from Alexandropollis, Greece

3. Peace Corps Volunteers, Balti

4. Municipal Sport community

5. American Corner, Balti

To visualize the project proposal, click on the document from below: 

Balti Access Poject: "A Healthy Mind in a Healthy Body"

Project outcomes: 

Healthy Lifestyle, Access Balti project

Access Ungheni: "Christmas Time is Sharing Time"

1. General Information:

        1.1. Access site: Ungheni

1.2. Project title: “Christmas time is sharing time.”

1.3.Project Coordinator: Maximciuc Valeria, Access teacher

2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

    2.1. Project Duration:    the 23th of November - the 25th of December

     2.2.General project description (minimum 3 phrases):

This project aims to encourage, to support morally those less fortunate. Access students will pay a surprise visit to the children and teenagers with disabilities from the day center “Casa pentru toti”, Ungheni town and  will offer  them Christmas gifts. Children will be  also cheered up with Christmas carols, games and  fun activities. In this way everybody will learn a useful lesson of  sympathy and kindness.

 2.3.Project justification (what the problem(s) the project will address) (minimum 3 phrases): 

  Because children with disabilities are deprived of common rights like going to a school, playing      brisk games, making new friends enjoying natural  facilities, this project will bring hope and  confidence to those disabled. It will assure them that society is interested in their problems, is ready  to help, to show understanding and active participation.

  

   2.4. Project main goal(s):

    1.to disseminate  Christmas spirit of charity

    2.to show sympathy and friendliness

    2.5. Project objectives: The goal(s) will be achieved through:

  1.learning to share

  2.visiting children

  3.offering  them Christmas presents

  4.presenting them a short holiday program

 5.manifesting care and acceptation

2.6. Project key personnel:

1.Liliana Schiopu

2. Elena Girbea

3.Alexandru Panco

4.Anastasia Birdan

5.Ana Iacob

6.Ribac Diana

 2.7. Project partners (national or international):  

1.Lyceum ”Gheorge Asachi”, Ungheni

2.Lyceum “Vasile Alecsandri”, Ungheni

3.Lyceum “Ion Creanga”, Ungheni

4.Children from Day Center “Casa pentru toti”, Ungheni

To visualize the project proposal, click on the document from below: 

  "Christmas Time is Sharing Time"

PROJECT OUTCOMES: 

The Best Letter for Santa Christmas Contest 2015

All the Access students and alumni are invited to participate in our contest for the Best Letter for Santa. Share your achievements, difficulties you had in 2015, as well as the plans and wishes for the upcoming year with Santa Claus, and win a prize! He is already stuffing his sack with gifts! Hurry Up!

CONGRATULATIONS to WINNERS!!! 

Module 4. Tips for a Successful "Spelling Bee" Performance

Dear "Access Youth Voice" participants, 

To get enough prepared for the Spelling Bee Section, please analyze the tips presented by:

• the "Spelling Words Well" website:

• Merriam-Webster "Spell It!"  
• How to Study for A Spelling Bee?

• How to Spell any Word
• How to Spell: Tip 5 Using Memory Tricks

Module 3. Hints to Succeed in Public Speaking

Dear "Access Youth Voice" participants, 

One of the main goal of this cometition is to ditinguish your expertise in:
a.  building a well-organized speech on  one specific global issue presented in a video, and 
b. presenting your speech in a 2-minute time.  

Your speech should include: 


a. the global issue/ problem the movie arises specific for your community ( 1 phrase),
b. 2  consequences this problem has nowadays ( ofeerring the specific examples from the history, massmedia, world statistics) (2 phrases) , 
c. 1 possible solution you propose to reduce this problem and 1-2 ways to implement it into practice (concrete examples) ( 2 phrases) ;  
d. what  would be the impact of this solution( 1-2 concerete examples) (maximum 2 phrases) . 
e. concluding idea on the future actions the society needs to do to fight  with this problem ( 1 phrase) . 

Your presentation should be supported by visual materials, such as for e.g. pictures.

To succeed in developing a public speech, please analyze the following resources: 

• Writing a Persuasive Speech

• Make a Good Speech for School 
• How to Make a Persuasive Speech 
• Oral Presentations: Tips on how to deliver a speech for school or work 
• Presentation Tips for Public Speaking
• How to Make a Good Speech
•  Great Opening and Closing 
• The Importance of Vocal Variety in Presentations 

Sample of persuasive seech:



Global Warming
Social Networking
10 Ways to Make your House Carbon Neutral 
Organ Donation 
Please  Help Keep the World Safe


  The Global Issues video could be on the following topics:  

430 Persuasive Speech Topics 
50 More Persuasive Speech Topics
Persuasive Speech Ideas

Module 2. Exploring US Culture & Civilization

Dear "Acces Youth Voice" project participants,

During the "Access Youth Voice" Contest, it will be proposed for the discussion the following 5 US Culture & Civilization topics: 

Use the following resources: 

• Janet Borsbey, Ruth Swan. 2007. Crossing Cultures, ELI Publishing

                                           

• Milada Broukal, Peter Murphy. 1991. All About the USA 3: A Cultural Reader. 3rd edition. Pearson. Longman
  

 . 

• American Culture 
• American Literature
• Facts about the U.S.A.
• US History & Politics
• Holidays in America 
• Fifty States
• US Famous People

• US Sports and Leisure
• Top Ten Tourist Attractions of America 
• Understanding US Culture
• Virtual Field Trip- Washington D.C.  

Developing and Implementing Civic-engagement Projects

Developing and Implementing Civic-engagement Projects

Task 1. Scan the following resources, and identify the following details about engaging the community in education:

• What is Service Learning or Community Engagement
• Engaging the Community  
• Service Learning: You Can Make a Difference
• Benefits of Service Learning, and reflect on: 

1. what is the service-learning or community engagement?  
2. what are the benefits of service learning? ;
3. what are the most efficient ways for you as the Access students to engage with community members and resources .

Task 2. Analyze the community-service projects examples and ideas presented below: 

1. 55 Environmental Service-Learning Projects
2. Global Youth Service Day
3. Access Program celebrating Global  Youth Service Day
4. Access Program Civic-Engagement Projects
5.  Service-Learning project ideas
6. Project ideas , and 

together with your Access teachers select 3 community-service project ideas relevant for your community. 

Task 3.   Analyze the following civic-engagement project proposals developed by Access students from various regions of Moldova to identify the project stages/ procedures each project ran.   

1. Different but Equal
2. Learn English through Creativity
3. A Holiday for Everybody
4. Colorful Town. Make Your World Better. 
5. The Struggle for the Environment
6. “Making Changes through Youth Civic- Engagement Projects”
7. “Making Changes through Social Theater”  
8. “ Shorter School Breaks”

Task 4. The following resources reflect the highlights of a successfully  civic-engagement project writing process. Let's explore them one by one:
a) Analyze the structure of  the project plan examples posted here: what steps does a project plan include?
Developing a project plan 
b)  Explore the Project Tipsheets list and choose 3 most important ones - why do you consider they are the most important ones for s successful project implementation? Youth Changing the World Tipsheets 

c) Examine the Youth Changing the World: Youth Service Project Toolkit guide, which explains in detail the important steps that will help teachers and students, in collaboration with school administration, make a meaningful impact on an issue that is important to you and your community: INVESTIGATE, PREPARE, PLAN, ACT, REFLECT, DEMONSTRATE AND CELEBRATE. 

Youth Changing the World Toolkit

Think about: 

• what you learned new in terms of project planning and implementation;
• how these steps are different from regular projects you usually do in your regular classes ( for e.g., Christmas or Halloween parties, school plays, poster displays, school competitions, etc.)
• Which of these steps would be the most difficult to implement and why.

Task 5. Think of one of the and develop a detailed plan of its implementation, according to the  “Civic -Engagement Project Template” . Download this document, complete it and submit your project proposal.    Use the examples listed below as reference points. 

Additional resources:
Developing a Project Plan
Additional project examples:
Music and Graphic Arts Projects Examples
Creative and Language Arts Projects
Social Sciences Projects