Reflection on the English Training Workshop

Reported by: Usha Chakma
From August 15 to 16, 2026, thirteen participants gathered at Than Hsiang Temple in Penang, Malaysia, to develop the Scheme of Work (SOW) for the upcoming English Language Certificate Course, scheduled to begin in January 2027. The workshop was facilitated by Mdm. Lim Wai Lee, a retired Vice-Principal (Academic) from Singapore with 26 years of teaching experiences. On the first day, we had the wonderful opportunity to hear encouraging words from IBC founder, Ven. Dr. Wei Wu, and all the members were deeply touched to receive thoughtful gifts from him.

The two-day workshop focused on practical, student-centered approaches to teaching adult learners. Grounded in the principles of andragogy, we discussed how adult learners are self-directed and benefit from integrating their prior life experiences to solve real-world problems. We practiced aligning our curriculum map to the desired learning outcomes of the course. To build reading automaticity and fluency without frustration, we learned to keep reading materials at a comprehensible level (I + 1) with a strict five-difficult-word limit, selecting materials that match our students’ cultural backgrounds. Besides that, we studied ways to lower the “affective filter” - the anxiety and fear of making mistakes that can hinder language learning. Working in groups of three with rotating roles (Presenter, Note-taker, and Leader), we practiced collaborative work skills and used strategies like dictogloss, the Cornell Note-Taking System, and “Echo and Add” to develop lesson templates, for example, the first weekly unit, “All About Me,” tailored for South Asian adult learners.

As a beginning educator working alongside experienced professionals, I was initially a little apprehensive about my ability to contribute. However, the collaborative nature of the workshop gradually helped me become more confident. One memorable moment came on the second day when Mdm. Lim unexpectedly lost her voice. The participants then took greater responsibility for presenting the materials and leading the discussions. This unexpected situation gave us a valuable opportunity to practice flexibility, teamwork, and active participation. The sessions concluded with structured, mindful reflection exercises using the “2 Stars and a Wish” and “Rose, Thorn, and Bud” frameworks to evaluate our learning progress. The workshop was a valuable step in our preparation for the new program. I gained a clearer understanding of lesson planning for adult learners and the importance of creating a supportive learning environment. I left the workshop feeling more confident and better prepared, and I look forward to putting what I have learned into practice when the program begins in January 2027. I am truly grateful to International Buddhist College, Mdm. Lim Wai Lee and everyone who made this workshop an invaluable learning experience for me.