New Delhi, Jul 30 (IANS): Teachers of Delhi government schools will now be able to enhance their skills in the English language with the help of the US Embassy. The Delhi Government has launched an online professional development programme for English teachers in government schools in partnership with the Regional English Language Office (RELO) of the US Embassy.

About 550 teachers of Delhi government schools have joined this 8-week online Professional Development for English Teachers (PDET) programme conducted jointly by the Delhi Government and the US Embassy.

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said, "We have given high priority to English as a language in the government schools of Delhi. While we have engaged renowned agencies to conduct Spoken English Classes for our students which benefited nearly 65,000 students, we believe that giving new opportunities to our teachers to acquire global perspective and skills to teach English is a more sustainable approach."

This course exposes teachers around the world to the English language teaching resources offered by the Office of English Language Programs at the US Department of State. It is designed for in-service teachers interested in improving their instructional practices. Participants will read and utilize many teaching resources offered by the American English website, the English Teaching Forum magazine and the Monster Book of Teaching Activities.

The programme is for middle and secondary grades teachers but the government is also exploring having a similar programme for primary teachers as well.

While explaining the features of the course, Sisodia pointed out that "This course provides practical ideas for the English language classroom. Emphasis is on scaffolding students, critical thinking and use of techniques like storytelling, drama, games and music. It will not only enhance children's ability to learn new language but also raise their confidence."

Thirty Mentor Teachers of Delhi will act as the course facilitators under the guidance of two English language specialists -- Sara Bolton and Lisa Morgon -- to guide, support and give constructive feedback throughout the course to the participating teachers.