Project News

The project works with two regular schools in the northern province of Khuvsgul Aimag. We have conducted a series of seminars including developing Individual Education Plans (IEP) for children with disabilities or learning difficulties and conducting lesson study aimed at improving teachers' instructional abilities. In 2018 August, we interviewed elementary school teacher, Ms. G. Zoljargal, who conducted lesson study at Ireedui 21 Century Integrated School. The following is a translation of our conversation to learn about her experience.

Please introduce yourself.

My name is Zoljargal. I have been a teacher for 10 years. The first six years I taught at a school in Ulaanuur village then moved to Ireedui 21 Century Integrated School. So I have been teaching in this school for 4 years.

You made an IEP for a selected student, created lesson plan and conducted lesson study under the Project. Please tell us about the selected student.

Her name is D. Erdenezol. She is fifth grade from September 2018. I became her class teacher when she was in second grade. She was a hyperactive child who would leave the class without permission and wouldn't listen to my instructions. She didn't have trouble reading but struggled with math and writing and had poor handwriting. There is a Child Development Center at the school where children with disabilities can take supplementary lessons and receive instruction responsive to their disabilities before or after regular classes. When she goes to the center she can do tasks she enjoys, so she spent a lot of time there. When she was at the center my classes went more smoothly so there were days when I hoped she wouldn't come back to class.

What did you think when you were asked to conduct a lesson study?

Ms. B. Enkhjargal, who is in charge of the Child Development Center at the school, recommended that I do a lesson study because she believed that reviewing my teaching methods would help Erdenezol improve. But I was nervous at first and didn't want to do it. Ms. Enkhjargal then offered to prepare with me, which set me at ease.

How did you feel once you made an IEP and Lesson Plan?

It was very difficult, because I wasn't used to it. I asked Ms. Enkhjargal many questions as we made it. When I finished writing the draft lesson plan, teachers from a special school visited our Aimag and gave lectures and advice. These experiences helped me realize that the assignments and handouts I prepared for Erdenezol didn't much her abilities. I also realized that the questions in my draft lesson plan were still too difficult. I consulted with the visiting teachers many times and revised my lesson plan and teaching materials.

What did you think of the lesson study?

The lesson went smoothly because I had a plan. However, Erdenezol wasn't able to hold her concentration until the end so the tasks may have been too challenging. Since then I have been trying to adjust lessons to be more responsive to her level and interests. For example, she likes to copy letters because I had her copying long passages, and there were times when she would tire halfway through and leave the classroom. Now that I have her copying short passages she is better able to focus, and she has noticed her own improvement. As a result, she no longer suddenly leaves the classroom. She now goes to the center two hours a week and spends the rest of the time in my class.

What has been the response from the other teachers?

Other class teachers on the same floor have noticed that she no longer leaves the classroom and walks through the hallways.

How do you feel about project activities now?

The children's improvement made me realize what is important. There are several other students besides Erdenezol in my class who struggle during lessons. Now I can provide assignments that match each of their levels. Newer teachers sometimes come to me for help with writing IEPs. Because of my experiences I am able to give them more concrete advice, which has become a source of pride for me. Going forward, I want to do my best to help raise the level of instruction at my school.

A lesson study conducted in May 2018. Erdenezol is in the front row, second from the right.
Ms. Zoljargal spent a great deal of time preparing teaching materials.

A review session conducted after the lesson study.
Ms. Zoljargal is on the far right explaining the adjustment she has made to the other teachers.

Ms. Zoljargal (left) and Ms. Enkhjargal (right) discuss IEPs for the current year.