In mid-January, Goducate launched Happy Happy English, a program designed for foreign workers living in large dormitories in Singapore. The program starts with a few weeks of “edutainment” consisting of videoshows of different aspects of Singapore together with some stage entertainment and the teaching of a few English phrases related to the videoshow (see Jan 24 blog).
We launched the program at a dormitory at the western end of Singapore. After 5 of these shows, we conducted placement tests for those workers who wanted to join our English classes. Over 50 turned up for the placements tests on week 6, and last week 45 turned up for classes. They were placed in three levels of classes according to their English ability. There are 6 levels of classes in the course, and each lasts 12 weeks.
The aim of these classes is to teach the workers functional English, to enable them to interact with colleagues and with Singaporean society. The lessons are given in a relaxed atmosphere, with plenty of interaction between students and facilitators. The last half-hour of the 2-h class, called English café, is a time when the class breaks up into small groups to chat or play language games with facilitators over a biscuit or two.
We hope to start the program in a second dormitory soon.
