Confident faces of Coimbatore

In Coimbatore, sunshine was not just limited to the good weather but was found in every government school classroom. Beaming, confident faces looked back at us every time we entered a school. The students came to us and had full conversations in English. Their spoken English amazed us, and at same time made us aware of their abilities. They asked us about our lives and interests.

The teachers were unlike any we had seen in any other state. They effortlessly integrated ReadToMe in the class, and encouraged the participation of each and every student. Every class we visited had a teacher using our product to the best of their capabilities. They knew what would help each child to improve their spoken English. Each teacher had different praises to when they spoke of the EnglishHelper reading solution. “ReadToMe has helped even the weak and average students to read. ReadToMe is especially helpful for memorizing poems. In the first term exams, almost every student got full marks in the  poem section of the exam as they had learned it using ReadToMe!” said N. Selvabarathi, the English teacher of Corporation Girls High School, Selvapuram.

The senior students of the same school also came to request ReadToMe for the higher grades (ReadToMe is present only for students from class 6-8 in Coimbatore). They told us how much ReadToMe had helped them and how much they missed it. “Students in my school come from a very poor background and do not have televisions, computers or cell phones at home. They see ReadToMe as a wonder and come to class with enthusiasm and excitement.” said Anbuselvi, the Principal of Corporation Girls High School, Selvapuram.

Innovative Use to Improve Their Spoken English

Another interesting trend I found in Coimbatore was that the teachers encouraged the students to come up and use the software to conduct English classes. The students saw learning English as a game rather than studying. Gnana Selvi, from Corporation High School, R.S. Puram West uses a trick she makes her weaker students to manage the software. This makes the students pay more attention and feel motivated. This gives them a chance to take a close look at the language and gives them more incentive to practice English and work on their spoken English. Lalita, from Corporation High School, Maniyakaranpalayam, asks her students to come up and solve their doubts themselves and thus most of her class can operate ReadToMe on their own!

What the Students Have to Say

The conversation skills acquired by these students made us wonder if we thought like them at that age. Nagaveni, a student of class 8, said she wanted to study English because “there is a view that English is only for English medium students. I want to break that myth and show that even government school children can do well in English! Before ReadToMe, we used to study only the questions at the back for the exam and learn the answers by heart. Now, we can answer any question you ask us!”

Alex told us about his dream to be an Olympic volleyball player. “He used to be so naughty that he would spend days in the principal’s office, but after ReadToMe he has had a great interest in learning. He is always attentive in class now,” said his teacher. Harinarayan, a student of class 7 surprised us with her message to other students all across India. “Do not let the fear of difficult classes make you not come to school. Continue studying and work hard. Don’t give up!”

– Written by a member of the EnglishHelper Team.

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