English Programs for Excellent Students Dr Rachel Tal

English Programs for Excellent Students Dr. Rachel Tal, Head of English Studies, Amal Group Ahuva Dotan, English Counselor, Amal Group Excellence in Education: Theory-Research-Practice, Jerusalem, July 2012

About Amal The Amal Network incorporates more than 100 educational institutions covering a range of education and training areas: Ø 66 high schools Ø 27 junior high schools Ø 13 colleges for Technicians and Practical Engineers Ø 14 adult training centers

The number of students and teachers in the Amal network is approximately: Ø Students – 40, 000 Ø Teachers and administrative personnel – more than 3, 000

Nahariyya; Kisra Smiya Kiryat Haim High Schools Safed Zarzir; Shfaram Tiberias; Shimshon Afula Nazareth Ramat David Hadera Tel Hashomer Emek Harod Sharon Tel Aviv Tira Taibeh Rishon Le. Tsion; Rehovot Ashdod ) Kiryat Malahi; Ofakim Petah Tikva Ramleh_ Lod Rahat Lakia Kuseifa Jerusalem Be’er Sheba (4) Dimona Araara Houra Tel Sheva

Amal Goals Ø To provide students with advanced theoretical, scientific and technological education Ø To prepare them for life in a changing society based on Information Technology Ø To provide the skills necessary to realize their potential in a democratic and modern society Ø To maintain the uniqueness of Amal as a multicultural educational network, serving Jewish, Arab, Bedouin and Druze populations

What is Excellence in English Teaching Ø Teaching that requires students to think, to develop in-depth understanding, and encourages students to apply that knowledge to complex real life problems Ø Excellence in Teaching: Ø Meets the needs of outstanding students Ø Encourages critical thinking, innovation and creativity Ø Heightens students’ motivation and builds selfconfidence Ø Raises achievement levels

Excellence in English Teaching Ø Objectives: Ø Create school culture that promotes excellence Ø Enhance students’ intellectual abilities Ø Foster leadership skills Ø Empower English teachers to implement new methodologies to go that extra mile Ø Raise awareness of need to promote excellence in English teaching in all sectors

Aspects of Peace Education “Peace education is the pedagogical effort to build a better world, including the teaching of skills and techniques of conflict management. ” - Ian M. Harris and Mary Lee Morrison, in Peace Education Ø Recognize need to change the existing dynamics and shape values, attitudes and behavior patterns Ø School as an agent of socialization and change for the younger generation through: Ø Systematic school approach Ø Individual programs

Peace Education through Encounters Ø Fostering tolerance and mutual respect Ø Getting to know each other Ø Focusing on themes of togetherness and similarity Ø Reducing stereotypes Ø Encouraging personal change and growth Ø Improving intergroup relations Ø Working toward a common goal

Peace Education through the Study of English Ø Bringing together Jewish, Arab, Bedouin and Druze students to promote improved intercultural relations: § Negotiation § Debating § Book Clubs * Sponsored by the U. S. Embassy, Tel Aviv

Art of Negotiation (in collaboration with PON at Harvard Law School) Ø Bring students together to break down the barriers of hatred caused by misunderstanding and mistrust of "the other. " Ø Improve communication skills; nurture the ability to listen to others and understand their motives, hopes and concerns. Ø Acquaint students with the principles of negotiation and conflict management, promoting joint problem solving instead of bargaining. Ø Foster the use of the principles of negotiation in solving everyday conflicts and problems.

Art of Negotiation (cont) Ø Promote understanding of the challenges of negotiations on a national level and their importance as a tool for preventing violence. Ø Develop willingness to contribute to a democratic society that values human rights. Ø Instill values of equality while addressing the existence of stereotypes. Ø Employ the school system as a center for peace. Ø Developing Higher Order Thinking Skills http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=y. Oeq. Oi. Z-Elk

Art of Negotiation - Students Reflect Aside from the principles of negotiation and how to apply them, I will take with me the emphasis on mutual respect and understanding the needs of others. Student, Amal Lady Davis Multidisciplinary High School, Tel Aviv To our surprise we discovered that we have in common is greater than our differences, and we very much enjoyed working together and learning how to solve problems in a creative way in English. Student, Amal Multidisciplinary High School, Taibeh

Opening Lines of Communication – Debating Program Ø Provides an opportunity to work with and learn from one another, setting an example of how to engage in dialogue across cultures and encourage cooperation Ø Fosters greater tolerance for the viewpoints of others

Opening Lines of Communication – Debating Program (cont) Ø Develops logical and critical thinking, and improves students' overall English skills, and their ability to communicate in spoken English in particular Ø Includes a series of workshops in which Jewish and Arab students get together to discuss issues and prepare for the debate Ø Culminates in a final debate and public speaking competition between mixed Jewish and Arab teams http: //www. amalnet. k 12. il/sites/English. Com/Doc. Lib/Debating. aspx

“Spirit of Boston” – Book Club Ø Bring together Arab and Jewish students in Israel to share different perspectives on the same book Ø Encourage reading in English Ø Learn to appreciate culture, literature and different social backgrounds

“Spirit of Boston” – Book Club (cont) Ø See the connection between language, literature and culture Ø Develop critical thinking

“Spirit of Boston” – Students Reflect “At first I was a bit shy but later things changed particularly when we worked in groups with students from Lady Davis. It gave me a chance to learn about other students, how they think. We even had a chance to talk about some personal stuff. I would be happy if we met again. ” -Iama, Amal Taibeh “At the beginning I didn't know if the activity will work out and if we can communicate freely with the kids from Taibeh. Soon enough I found out that even though we are different, we have many similarities. I worked with a few really nice guys and had lots of fun. ” - Ayelet, Lady Davis Tel Aviv dd “It was an interesting experience giving us the opportunity to meet Arabs as we do not have contact with them every day. It was nice to see their respectful hospitality. I think it was a good experience. ” - Bat-El, Lady Davis Tel Aviv “This was my first face to face meeting with students from a Jewish school. It was a new experience for me. We worked together and created a poster to show we understand the story we read. I hope meetings like this continue. ” - Mustafa, Amal Taibeh

Their future – Our commitment