Bi-directional Learning and Teaching: Lao-German Projects and Tandems
BAAL Conference 2022 (British Association of Applied Linguistics): “Innovation and Social Justice in Applied Linguistics”
Interested in our German-Cameroonian tandem-project “Reflecting your own knowledge: Decolonising English teacher education” under the ASA Academia global format programme (Engagement Global) in 2025? Then read the Call for Applications for information and apply soon!
Erasmus+ Key Action 171 Mobility Project between the University of Education Karlsruhe and Savannakhet University (budget 62.470,00 Euro): After our first two mobility projects, "Bi-directional Teaching and Learning" (2018-2021) and "Education for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship" (2021-2023), we now embark on "Digital Citizenship and Bi-directional Decoloniality" for 3 years (2023-2026).
Ms Leona Kemmer (Team XI) tried three times all through the first Covid year 2020/2021 to get a visa to Laos to work at Sunshine School, despite never-ending obstacles. Team XI were sadly thwarted in their endeavours, but the Head of Sunshine School (Sister "Didi 1") was sure Ms Leona would join them one day. Ms Leona next collaborated with Sunshine teachers to write an e-book for teaching English as material to accompany her Master thesis on "Intercultural differences in ESL to transcultural understanding through encounters and communication: Creating an e-book with Lao teachers in tandem-teaching".
After finishing her studies at the University of Education Karlsruhe and then her 18-month teacher traineeship, she directly connected with Sunshine School again and is there now, teaching throughout the winter. Hats off for such amazing tenacity, loyalty, and determination!
© Isabel Martin & Contributing Collaborative (2024)