Improving English Proficiency of Students in Remote Areas: Companion English Learning Program Receives High Praise
To improve students’ English proficiency in remote areas, the K-12 Education Administration of the Ministry of Education commissioned National Taiwan Normal University Professor Hao-Jan Chen to implement the “Distance Learning for English Proficiency and Companian English Learning Program” beginning from April 2021. Students in English-related fields of study from 13 universities across northern Taiwan were recruited to serve as English companions and were provided educational training so that they could accompany students in remote elementary schools in their English learning activities through distance learning. Currently, 227 university learning companions have joined the program, assisting a total of 1,300 elementary school students in remote areas for six to eight weeks per semester online. Summer and winter English learning camps are held between semesters to allow students and learning companions to meet face-to-face and deepen their friendships.