Global Connections and Exchange Program

Farzona Gafurova, GCE alum is presenting about her exchange experience and the benefits of international education in the remote Isfara town.

Today dedicated to the IEW we had two events. First Farzona Gafurova the leader of English club has made a presentation for new students at this club. She spoke and explained how it is important to be Educated in our life. She has recently went to Moscow for International Subject Olympiad and has been chosen for the award “10 best students” and been invited to Moscow University of Languages. She is in the 11 grade, and last year she visited USA by GCE program. Today she made a presentation about all her way of success. As she said “I am very grateful that I could have such experience here in ILC and became exchange student by this program”    And also we had classes of grammar in Tajik Language, which was conducted by Fotimakhon Mamatova, who is a volunteer teacher and teach our Literature Club.

Every year people all over the world celebrate the annual International Education Week.
This year IEW is celebrated from the 17th till 21st of November. In the framework of celebrating IEW our ILC students prepare a lot of activities dedicated to this celebration and students at the Dushanbe School for the Deaf #8 organized a presentation and performance to celebrate this international week.

Today on November 18, 2008 for the IEW celebration, school administration invited the US Embassy and RI-SOL representatives together celebrate this day. Ms. Anne Benjaminson from the US Embassy in Dushanbe opened this ceremony by telling about International Education Week and the role of education in the XXI century by telling about education in the United States. Students asked questions and one of the students asked Ms. Benjaminson to tell about special school for students with disability. The honorable guest kindly informed the students about schools and universities like Gallaudet University for people with disability in the United States.

Thanks to Mrs. Volman’s sign language interpretation, everyone felt comfortable communicating with each other by asking questions about various topics related to education in the United States.

During this ceremony students showed a presentation and performance which was devoted to IEW.  Nilufar Pirova, a deaf student prepared a presentation about her participation in RI-SOL “Friendship without Borders” International Summer Camp which held on July 2008.  She told about her experience interacting with Tajik and American students, about camps and everyday activities, as well as about her acquired knowledge and skills at the camp.

After Nilfar’s presentation, students and teachers asked several questions. In response to dozens of questions related to the camp, Nilufar said she had enjoyed being among students and trainers from different places.  Nilufar mentioned about a girl from the US (Austianna) who taught her some American sign language. By getting to know about this, one of the girls suggested to invite a group of deaf students for the next camp and invite a deaf from the United States to learn international sign language.

At this ceremony students recited poems, sang songs and showed traditional dances. Everybody shook hands expressing gratitude and appreciation for all performances organized under the guidance of Mrs. Volman. This celebration made feel everyone happy and everyone at the end expressed hope to celebrate IEW for years to come.

Today a group of students consisting more than 15 students from Secondary School #10 Dushanbe attended a session dedicated to International Education Week 2008.

Three exchange students, Farzona Abdukayumova, Firuz Avgonov from GCE Youth on Free Expression Program and Rukhshona Artikova made presentations about their exchange experience and the benefits of International Education in their personal and professional life.

Farzona Abdukayumova who has been to the US through Youth on Free Expression Program noted the exchange program and an opportunity being a student of one of the Internet Learning Center in Kulob has given her a chance to see the world from another perspective. After her trip to the US, she continued her secondary school studies for one more year and then decided to study English in order to meet current trends. She says: “For every young people it should be clear to study every subject paying attention to the most current literature and experience.”

On his presentation, Firuz Avgonov, a participant of the Youth on Free Expression Program shared his knowledge and experience before going to the USA. He has mentioned about the role of ILC in his hometown where many students could get an access to the latest technology and be connected to the world. Firuz says “I cannot imagine what I would become now if I had not attend our center in Sarband. Without the ILC I could not have a chance to get information about the youth opportunities.”

Attending students had Question and Answers in which exchange students shared their knowledge about various opportunities for secondary school students. One of the students asked Firuz Avgonov about application process and what was the most important section when applying to an exchange program. In response to this question, Firuz said “to get an international experience or funding one has to have experienece working, in case of high school students, everyone first of all should help communities by volunteering, ability to get current information about opportunities for youth and study English”

Rukhshona Artikova, as a FLEX Program alum shared her one year experience studying at american school, about American education system and their lifestyle. She has mentioned about schedule and remembered how she kept herself busy at school. Rukhshona said: “American schools usually have different activities like community services, leadership and sport clubs after lessons.” She has mentioned about her language skills for the first time she arrived in the US and how she improved her English. While speaking about learning, Rukhshona said that we learning by making mistakes and if one may succeed only if a there is a desire and goals.

At the end all students expressed their gratitude for presenting about exchange programs and informing about the International Education Week 2008. All upcoming events for celebrating IEW 2008 organized by RI-SOL Tajikistan were announced to all participants.

Many Tajik students and young people attend short English classes to improve their skills.

On November 14, Mr. David Holzmeyer, an English Language Fellow who is working at Khujand State University’s the faculty of foreign languages joined RI-SOL weekly webchat.

Mr. Holzmeyer shared his methods of teaching and told that the University requires him to use the old regular books. As for his teaching methodology Mr. Holzmeyer said “I use a variety of methods but all the methods are active and they try to get all the students to participate.” Mr. Holzmeyer also said: “I think in general the American way of instruction is better but there are some things I like about the Tajiki education system as well. In the American way of doing education emphasis is placed on CREATIVITY and INDIVIDUAL capacity building and thinking outside the box in new ways.”

During the chat, students were interested to how gain speaking, listening and writing skills. Marjona and Ganjina, GCE students from Chkalovsk asked to recommend them how to improve speaking, as well as how to enrich their vocabulary.

As for writing, Mr. Holzmeyer recommended that a learner wishing to improve writing should find a good writing book and study it. He said: “Writing is very difficult but very important. And students here especially need to focus on organizing their ideas and having one paragraph for one idea etc. The ideas of Tajiki students are good they just need to present them better.”

Farzona Abdukaumova, a student from Tajik Pedagogical Institute and GCE exchange participant asked: “So is it good that students in the US have too much freedom? And may they have any special rules? How do you think Mr. David?”

“Freedom is important in the classroom. Students need to feel like they are respected individuals in the learning community. But of course teachers can’t let students run the class and have too much freedom. It is the teachers’ job to find the right amount of freedom for every class” replied Mr. Holzmeyer.

Chat transcript

Moderator: Mr. Holzmeyer is in Khujand right and will join us after a few minutes

Moderator: Gulmira, I am doing well. Thanks

Sayora Jabborova: Hello everybody! How are you

Moderator: Welcome Mr. David Holzmeyer to RI-SOL Global Connections and Exchange Chat!

David Holzmeyer: Hello everyone sorry I’m late I’m ready to chat.

Bahktovar-Konibodom: hi Mr. David Holzmeyer! I am Bakhtovar from Kanibadam

David Holzmeyer: asalom alakum!

Gulmira-Gulyakandoz hi Mr. David Holzmeyer !

David Holzmeyer: Asalom!

Gulmira-Gulyakandoz oh do you know tajik language?

David Holzmeyer: I know a little Tajiki.

Orzu Tursunzoda: Hello and welcome- Ayni teachers and students

Firuz_Avgonov: hello Mr David Holzmeyer

Sayora Jabborova: Hello Mr David Holzmeyer

Nigina Mirzoeva: salom David. Nice to see you in our web chat.

David Holzmeyer: No I can’t see you to remember you.

Bahktovar-Konibodom: do you remember me?

Sayora Jabborova: I am from Gulyakandoz

Moderator: Mr. David Holzmeyer is an English Language Fellow in Khujand

Firuz_Avgonov: I am Firuz Avgonov from Sarband

David Holzmeyer: Hi Firuz!

Abdukaumova Farzona: Greetings from Farzona(Kulob)

Orzu Tursunzoda: Its great

Bahktovar-Konibodom: you was in Halloween Party in Kanibadam Micro scholarship program

David Holzmeyer: I want to come to Kanibadam on Monday the 24th of November and visit the microscholarship organization if this possible?

David Holzmeyer: Greetings to you too.

David Holzmeyer: No I had a Halloween party at the American Corner in Khujand

Abdukaumova Farzona: It is nice to chat with you Mr. David and may I know where are you from? From which state are you?

David Holzmeyer: I’m from Washington State NOT Washington DC

Gulmira-Gulyakandoz how long will you stay in Khujand?

David Holzmeyer: I will be in Khujand until August 2009

Gulmira-Gulyakandoz what’s your profession?

Nigina Mirzoeva: David What kind of methods do you use teaching English your students at the University? Do you use books in your English classes? If yes what kind of books do you use? Did you bring books from US?

David Holzmeyer: Yes I brought books from the US. But my university requires me to use the old regular books. Besides i only have one copy of each book I brought from the US. I use a variety of methods but all the methods are active and they try to get all the students to participate.

Abdukaumova Farzona: It is really great because I was there but not for long time. It is nice to know about Washington. And what is you impression about Tajikistan and Tajik people?

Orzu Tursunzoda: Please David tell us a few words about your career- Ayni team

David Holzmeyer: I taught English for two years in the Country of Georgia, then three years at a high school in Seattle Washington. After I’m finished here I will go backt to my job in the US.

Bahktovar-Konibodom: Can you tell about your students from Georgia?

Firuz_Avgonov: What is the difference between Tajik students and American students for you?

David Holzmeyer: Yes, I know Khurseda from Kanibadam. Where is she?

ishahzoda: will you give us books?

David Holzmeyer: Yes it is possible for me to give you books.

ishahzoda: why are you visiting Tajikistan

Moderator: I have got a question. Do you also use computers as a tool of collaboration?

David Holzmeyer: When I use computers in the classroom students are usually typing papers. Some students in the US still don’t know how to properly type a paper because they don’t have a computer at home maybe. I try to bridge the digital divide.

Gulmira-Gulyakandoz Mr. David what is opinion about our students? is it easy to teach them english or hard?

Orzu Tursunzoda: Do you like teaching? What is easier for you to teach or to learn?

ishahzoda: i live in Gulakondos, will you come here in your free time?

Abdukaumova Farzona: How do you think: What method is better in Tajikistan and in all over the world: yours American or our old method? And what is a difference between ours and yours students and schools?

Firuz_Avgonov: How long will you sray in Tajikistan?

Sayora Jabborova: Mr. David we have also guest from USA now

Sayora Jabborova: She is sitting with us it is very good for us

ishahzoda: English guests name is Kelly

Ganjina: It is difficult for me to learn new words and remember them can you tell me how can I improve this skill and learn more words? How to improve listening skills to understand English language better? Ganjina

David Holzmeyer: I think in general the American way of instruction is better but there are some things I like about the Tajiki education system as well. In the American way of doing education emphasis is placed on CREATIVITY and INDIVIDUAL capacity building and thinking outside the box in new ways.

Moderator: What can you advice for students wishing to improve writing?

David Holzmeyer: I think they should find a good writing book and study it. Writing is very difficult but very important too. Students here especially need to focus on organizing their ideas and having one paragraph for one idea etc. The ideas of Tajiki students are good they just need to present them better.

Abdukaumova Farzona: Did you take part in any classes(lessons) in Tajikistan schools, and how did u find tajik teaching stile?

Bahktovar-Konibodom: Can you tell about your students from Georgia?

marjona93: Mr David I like to learn to speak English wery well what can you recomend

me to improve my speaking skills?

David Holzmeyer: Practice Speaking!

David Holzmeyer: Yes I have taken part in Tajiki lessons and the teaching style is ok. But my moto is “teach like your hair is on fire” and I think Tajiki teachers should sit less and try to be very active and enthusiastic.

Firuz_Avgonov: Do you know any American student chats which we can to talk with them?

David Holzmeyer: My students in Georgia were a lot like students here. They were very nice and polite and some of them knew English well. I was in a small town high in the Moutains. So the environment was very different than in Khujand.

David Holzmeyer: No I don’t know about any American chats but I’m willing to do this again if you like it.

Firuz_Avgonov: ok….

Moderator: I would appreciate if you could join our chats

Abdukaumova Farzona: Oooo-o so cool saying about American style of teaching. So is it ok that students in the US have to much freedom? And may they have any special rules? How do you think Mr. David.?

Bahktovar-Konibodom: do you know about system education of Tajikistan

David Holzmeyer: No problem I come to the ILC here in Khujand on Mon. at 2 and Wed. at 2 or at least I will try to. My schedule has changed a lot because students came back from the cotton fields.

David Holzmeyer: I know a little about the system of education

Abdukaumova Farzona: Will you come to Dushanbe also?

Firuz_Avgonov: What is your aim of your visit in Khujand?

Mustafo from Ayni: Mr. David do you enjoy your job as a teacher?

David Holzmeyer: Yes I enjoy my job as a teacher here I love students.

David Holzmeyer: Freedom is important in the classroom. Students need to feel like they are respected individuals in the learning community. But of course teachers can’t let students run the class and have too much freedom. It is the teachers’ job to find the right amount of freedom for every class.

Bahktovar-Konibodom: Can say me the short way of learning English?

David Holzmeyer: The quickest way to learn English is to listen to English all the time and try to always speak in English all the time. The more practice you have the better you will be.

Moderator: Bakha - I can recommend you to write at least five sentences of your own about your day spending 10 or 15 minutes. Everyday!

Moderator: After ten days just check your daybook and you will see how your English improved! You see your mistakes!

Moderator: and monitor your progress

Bahktovar-Konibodom: it’s a good idea! I shall try to have more practice. Mr. Ibrahim after summer camp I was very lazy. Because I have forgotten your suggestion!

David Holzmeyer: Good suggestion!

David Holzmeyer: yes laziness is a problem but make goals for yourself and see if you can reach your goals. Make sure the goals are realistic and not too hard.

Abdukaumova Farzona: What about your visit to Dushanbe? Will you come?

Abdukaumova Farzona: Is it possible?

David Holzmeyer: Yes I was in Dushanbe for 8 days at the end of August. I’ll come again sometime.

Orzu Tursunzoda: Please David help us : We are discussing one thing and have different explanations What means — follow up—?- Ayni teachers

David Holzmeyer: “Follow Up” means what came before or after. For example, the follow up to the election in the US was very exciting with a lot of news. OR After the lesson about lions we will follow it up with a trip to the zoo.

Firuz_Avgonov: What do you think about leadership?

Nigina Mirzoeva: David do you plan to provide workshop for English teachers?

David Holzmeyer: yes I have teachers’ workshops every week at khujand State Univ.

Bahktovar-Konibodom: Kanibadam teachers: We want more workshops and Trainings for english teachers

Firuz_Avgonov: What qualities should have a good leader?

David Holzmeyer: Firuz are u applying to u-grad?

Firuz_Avgonov: I want to participate in u-grad

David Holzmeyer: yes and Firuz you have to write an essay about leadership I know. The qualities are clear: smart, hardworking, work well with people, etc. But the most important thing is to never give up.

Orzu Tursunzoda: Thank a lot

Abdukaumova Farzona: What do you think about elections?

Nigina Mirzoeva: Can other teacher join to your workshops at University?

David Holzmeyer: yes any teacher can come to my lessons at the Univ. they are at 9 am on Saturdays in room 116. The topic this week is conversation. Last week we talked about writing.

Abdukaumova Farzona: what do you think about election which was in the US?

David Holzmeyer: The election in the US was very exciting and I’m glad we will have a new president January 20th.

Firuz_Avgonov: What is your opinion about your new president?

David Holzmeyer: I like Mr. Obama. He has a tough job ahead of him though the expectations are very high and the problems are very large.

Firuz_Avgonov: Is it really that Mr Obama said will take back American troops from Iraq

Moderator: I think we are going too far from out today’t topic?

Moderator: Today we are chatting about Teaching and Learning English, right?

Orzu Tursunzoda: David what do you think Is it easy to teach school students or adult learnes?

David Holzmeyer: Young students learn faster generally than adults but adults tend to be more motivated because they know how important learning English is to their future. I taught.

David Holzmeyer: i have a call from prague. wait

David Holzmeyer: Ok I’m back I just got a call from Radio Free Europe in Prague.

Moderator: good I was interviewed by them and VOA too

Moderator: it is a good experience

Moderator: I wish I was in Khujand to attend your writing classes. I am very much interested to writing, creative writing, essay writing. I wish I could write a guidebook for writing essays and stories.

Bahktovar-Konibodom: can you advise me to learn more British or American English?

Gulnoz Toshbekova: absolutely

Nigina Mirzoeva: David can you tell when do you have discussion classes in American Corner with students?

Bahktovar-Konibodom: what is the topic of your training on November 24 in Kanibadam?

Firuz_Avgonov: What is the best way to teach students English language

David Holzmeyer: Ok the topic on the 24th will be about Thanksgiving. I want to teach you all about Thanksgiving and then maybe we can play some games or have a party or something.

Bahktovar-Konibodom: ok

Moderator: great

Abdukaumova Farzona: It`s means that you have lot`s of friends from all the world

David Holzmeyer: Yes i have friends from all over the world. I can’t keep up with them all but good words and good deeds are never forgotten.

Moderator: http://www.voanews.com/specialenglish/archive/2007-04/2007-04-17-voa2.cfm

David Holzmeyer: The best way to teach students English is to not speak to them in their native language.

David Holzmeyer: Ok I have discussion classes with students on Tues. at 1:30 on Thur. at 1:30 and on Friday at approximately 2:05. On Friday I run from the Univ. to the American Corner.

David Holzmeyer: The discussion club is more than just discussion we plan charity benefits, parties and different activities and we talk in English. Today we heard from a boy that went to Singapore for a SIFE competition.

Moderator: I am really impressed by you and appreciate your time to join us

David Holzmeyer: My pleasure thanks for having me.

Moderator: Next week we are going to celebrate International Education Week

Moderator: thanks for your nice idea at our forum!

Moderator: Discussion clubs are really interesting

David Holzmeyer: Yes don’t forget that I will have discussions on this topic at the American Corner.

Orzu Tursunzoda: Many thanks David

David Holzmeyer: No problem my pleasure sorry about the call from Prague but those things happen

Moderator: Can you join us on November 20th for our next chat about International Education Week?

Firuz_Avgonov: thank you for your discussion Mr David

Moderator: of course, if you have time for this

Abdukaumova Farzona: It was nice to have chat to you Mr. David Holzmeyer. We gain lots of new things. Thanks a lot.

Orzu Tursunzoda: Thanks again and welcome to Ayni if you can

David Holzmeyer: The 20th is a thurs. right? i can try what time?

Moderator: yes

Moderator: at 14:00 or 15:00

Orzu Tursunzoda: No Wednesday

Moderator: November 20

Moderator: http://iew.state.gov/events/index.cfm?fuseaction=view_events&rc=EU&method=&sc=&q_max=50&cpid=0&city=&cntry=&desc=&end_dt=&org=&state=&org_type=&year=2008

David Holzmeyer: Well I want to but I have discussion club on Thursday. from 1:30-2:30 so maybe I can join the end of your discussion on Thursday.

Moderator: on Friday students might go to American Corner then

Moderator: thank you so much and we hope to have you in our upcoming chats

Moderator: and of course everyone is welcome to ask questions and post at our forum www.connect-tajikistan.org

David Holzmeyer: Yes they can go if they choose. Ok we will chat again on Friday at 3 approx. then.

Moderator: last but not least you are welcome to register at www.rafi.ki to represent your school in virtual world!

David Holzmeyer: Ok got to go. Thanks!

Moderator: Thanks a lot for your time

Moderator: Please send your comments and suggestion about the chat at www.connect-tajikistan.org/forum

Moderator: we will post the chat transcript at www.connect-tajikistan.org/blog/

Moderator: Thanks for your participation everyone! See you online!

Global Connections and Exchange Program in Tajikistan announces a competition to celebrate International Education Week 2008.

Students are invited to create a short video, write an essay or draw a picture about the role of International Education.

All entries will be available online for public voting and three winners for each section: video, essay and artwork will be selected. All other entries will receive letters certifying their participation in the competition.

THE CHALLENGE

Create a short video or write an essay that completes the phrases

“Education is… International Education is …”

Draw a picture depicting “International Education”

THE PRIZE

Winning entries will receive educational prizes such as books, CDs and posters. All other entries will receive letters certifying their participation.

THE TIMELINE

• We will upload submissions between November 17, 2008, and November 20, 2008. Entries submitted after November 20^th, 2008 will not be accepted.

• The general public will vote online for the winning videos from November 20, 2008 to November 24th, 2008.

• Winners will be announced November 25^th, 2008.

THE DETAILS:

• You must be 15 or older to enter.

• Videos can be any style: fiction or documentary, animated or live action.

• Videos must be no longer than three minutes.

• Essays must be not less than 300 words.

• Artworks must be original, scanned and saved as JPEG or JPG.

• Videos must be in English or have English subtitles.

• Essays must be in English.

• All entries must have author’s name and email address.

• Contestants may enter anonymously, but anonymous winners cannot collect the prizes.

For more information and submitting your works contact:

ibrohim@schoolsonline.org or gulnoz@schoolsonline.org

Thanks to the US Embassy and English Teaching Mentor Program the teachers from different parts of Sogd region: form Konibodom, Istaravshan, Isfara, Kayrakkum and Chkalovsk have the chance to participate in one day workshop and were gathered for the English Teaching Workshop on October 4. I shared with them the knowledge that I have gained during my participation in English Teaching Mentor Program this year. I shared with them the knowledge that I gained due to this program. I have showed them several activities how to present vocabulary, how to present grammar, we have discussed about what is cooperative learning and other useful themes. The teachers were thankful for such kind of workshop and now they can share the information of this workshop with their colleagues at school, teach their students English using interactive methods of teaching. The teachers told that it would be nice to have English workshops as much as possible and they will participate in the English workshops with great pleasure.

On November 8 I have provided another workshop for 10 teachers of Chkalovsk. The workshop took place in the ILC of Chkalovsk. The teaches were thankful and we are going to organize another workshop for the teachers in Chkalovsk during winter holidays.