In 2006 a New Zealand teacher, Cindy, and her husband Ross, went to live in Bangladesh. Cindy saw schools using rote learning and dictation. Students were assessed on their ability to memorise answers. With support from Ross, Cindy started a new school; she dared to break with traditional teaching and learning methods.
The school that Cindy started is called GEMS. She introduced poorer children to creative and rational teaching and learning approaches. These are commonly used in New Zealand but were unheard of in Bangladesh where memory-based learning is the norm.
New teaching and learning approaches (TKI):
- Lessons are organised around real life concepts and which involve a range of instructional approaches and materials
- Learning takes place in both formal and informal settings
- There are opportunities to collaborate in class
- Prior learning is built on
In Bangladesh these methods are still new and innovative but they’re proving to be very successful. Students are engaged. Teachers have a new enthusiasm for teaching; they feel empowered.
The vision for GEMS is that its students are better prepared to navigate the complexities of the modern world. These students have the ability to think and lead in a whole new way. Graduates can solve real world problems because they’ve been educated to make a difference.
The school Cindy started is called GEMS. Golgotha English Medium School — they teach in English. It is in Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka. It started with 7 students and parents were dubious but they quickly saw it was good. The school has been hugely successful in teaching students and training teachers, and it’s now very popular.
“It might sound outrageous,” said Cindy in 2006 when she started GEMS. “But we hope to influence education and teacher training in Bangladesh through our one little school.”
It’s working. The Bangladesh Government have recognised that their country’s education system needs an overhaul. They asked Cindy & Ross to start another new school. The government provided an old prison in Chandpur for the second school. The new school is called CSCC (Collectorate School and College Chandpur). It is 4 hours away from Dhaka and is equally successful in educating both teachers and students.
Teachers from all over the world are welcome at GEMS and CSCC. Cindy & Ross love hosting both teachers and other visitors and are happy to assist with costs. Some teachers fly over during their school holidays. Others take a year or two to ‘volunteer abroad’ and enjoy living in a different culture. Visiting teachers work alongside local Bangladeshi teachers who love seeing them in action.
Teaching in Bangladesh is a life-changing experience. “It’s a win-win situation,” says Cindy. “Teaching in Bangladesh is hugely eye-opening and fulfilling for visiting teachers, plus the locals adore a refreshing new face and learn so much from talking with visitors and seeing how they teach.”