Micro-teaching session to practice Spoken Lao activities (1)

(KPL) From 4-29 August, the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES), with support from the Australian Government through the Basic Education Quality and Access in Laos (BEQUAL) program, is conducting a sixth round of training for Internal Pedagogical Support (IPS) staff in BEQUAL’s 30 target districts.

The IPS system was introduced in 2023 to ensure that primary school teachers, particularly in remote and disadvantaged areas, receive regular, practical, and peer-based support throughout the school year. Established by MoES with support from Australia, the system empowers experienced teachers and school leaders to act as in-school coaches and mentors.

Micro-teaching session to practice Spoken Lao activities (2)

The IPS staff helps their colleagues improve their teaching practices by providing continuous professional development (CPD) through regular advice, classroom visits, co-teaching, feedback, and follow-up guidance. Initially launched in 30 target districts across seven BEQUAL-supported provinces, Phongsaly, Luang Namtha, Bokeo, Houaphan, Xiangkhouang, Khammouane, and Savannakhet. MoES recognises the importance and the outcomes of the system and is planning to extend the approach to more provinces.

More than 1,126 IPS staff (53% women, 47% from ethnic background), who are experienced teachers and principals selected for their commitment to supporting peers, will participate in the training at their local district education offices. The training is being facilitated by 100 technical staff from the Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs) of Luang Namtha, Xiangkhouang, and Savannakhet, with District Education and Sports Bureaus of the 30 districts providing training facilities and equipment.

Pair work for plan Multigrade Lao language lesson

Ms. Vongdeuane Osay, Director General of Teacher Education Department said “IPS workshop 6 builds on the progress of previous training and responds to teachers' evolving needs. It will equip IPS staff to help their peers to teach the Lao Language Grade 1 curriculum effectively, apply multigrade teaching strategies, and plan support for the 2025–26 school year. We are investing in teacher support because motivated, well-trained teachers are central to student learning success.”

The training includes ten detailed sessions over five days. It begins with an in-depth focus on Grade 1 Lao Language, including the importance of the lesson introduction and how to apply the new seven step approach for teaching sounds and writing. This is followed by a comprehensive, three-part module on multigrade teaching, where IPS staff will learn how to design, implement and support multigrade lesson delivery -essential in many remote Lao schools.

Session on lesson preparation

Participants will go on to focus on the new Spoken Lao teaching and learning approach, to develop teaching strategies that help students develop spoken Lao language communication skills.

Later sessions introduce the Teacher Self-Assessment Tool and Primary Teaching Standards, which IPS staff can use to help teachers identify learning needs and develop individual CPD plans. The workshop concludes with a focus on inclusive education and social norms, addressing how gender, age, and hierarchy can create barriers to accessing CPD, and how to foster inclusive school environments. The final session supports IPS to develop Semester 1 teacher support plans aligned with identified learning needs.

Singing Panoy loi pai loi ma song from Lao Language G1 first lesson

Ms. Vanessa Hegarty, First Secretary, Australian Embassy, added “Teachers are at the heart of education quality. Australia is proud to support the Government of the Lao PDR’s innovative IPS system, which ensures that even teachers in remote schools receive regular, high-quality support. Strong professional support systems like the IPS system are vital for helping teachers stay motivated.”

This year, the IPS system will be further reinforced with the training of 141 external pedagogical support staff from 30 DESBs, ensuring comprehensive, multi-level support for teachers throughout the academic year.

One of the TTC trainers shared “In this workshop, we focus on practical strategies. For example, IPS participants will create multigrade lesson plans, watch the teacher development video on Spoken Lao lessons and the Role Model docuseries episode on multigrade, and practice using the teacher self-assessment tool. It’s hands-on, collaborative, and directly relevant to classroom realities. These activities not only build skills but also foster collaboration and confidence.”

In the 2024-2025 academic year, IPS teams facilitated 41,774 teacher CPD activities, helping to embed the revised primary curriculum in classrooms and improving learning conditions for children in disadvantaged areas.

 “By helping teachers feel supported, valued, and equipped to manage real classroom challenges, this initiative is directly contributing to better teaching and learning for Lao students,” Ms. Hegarty concluded.

KPL