Broad Class Listen to Learn Interactive Radio Instruction Program

The Communicators (Pvt.) Limited is implementing Broad Class Listen to Learn Interactive Radio Instruction Program (IRI) in public schools of Islamabad, Abbottabad, Haripur and Vehari, Pakistan to improve literacy, numeracy and healthy habits among young children (aged 5-9 years) of marginalized public schools. Radio sets with dry batteries and built-in sound system are provided to target classrooms. The radios have USB and memory card options, so that teachers can use recorded lessons in the classroom when there is no radio transmission, if required. The radio program uses broadcasts to bring student-centered instruction to primary classes. The content covers all basic skills in curriculum (including literacy, numeracy, English and life skills). Audio lessonsguide teachers and students through activities, games, and exercises that teach carefully organized knowledge and skills which are culturally, linguistically and contextually relevant to marginalized populations. During short pauses built into radio scripts, teachers and students participate in program, reacting verbally and physically to questions and exercises posed by radio characters. The program is implemented through baseline survey, teacher trainings, provision of radios and resource materials to partner classrooms, broadcasting of lessons through radio, technical assistance and monitoring and evaluation.Members of school councils/communities are also sensitized on importance of education and involved in program activities. The program improves both quality and equity of education;significant learning gains for all participants, including gains in girls achievement and closing the rural/urban education gap and increased access for out-of-school learners. The overall goal of the program is to learning achievements in literacy and numeracy of girl and boy students in primary grades. The program focuses on improving literacy: vocabulary, storytelling, wordplay, sound discrimination; numeracy: problem-solving, numbers and counting, cause and effect; healthy habits: physical, social and emotional health. The program improves teaching and learning in basic subjects in primary schools; promotes child centered practices at primary level in target area; improves quality of teachers through several capacity building measures; reduces dropouts and increase retention rates, and; increases participation of parents in schools through planned motivational programs.