The Ministry of Education yesterday has allocated NT$83 million (US$2.64 million) this school year to support the hiring of additional foreign teaching assistants for elementary and junior-high schools nationwide.
The ministry has promoted the English Language Teaching Assistant Program (ELTA) since 2021 as part of efforts to bolster bilingual education. The program places foreign teaching assistants in schools to coteach with local educators and create natural, practical English-learning environments, it said.
The program has been expanded this year to support the hiring of additional foreign teaching assistants at 611 elementary and junior-high schools nationwide, allowing students to develop language skills through everyday interactions and gradually build confidence in speaking English, the ministry said.
Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Education
The program focuses on developing diverse bilingual learning models based on each school’s characteristics and curriculum needs, K-12 Education Administration Deputy Director-General Chang Yen-kai (張硯凱) said.
Through cultural exchanges and real-life experiences, students who are initially shy or reluctant to speak gradually become more willing to do so and more comfortable expressing themselves, Chang said.
Students not only improve their English communication skills, but also build confidence and broaden their international outlook during the learning process, he added.
At Ruei Ting Elementary School in New Taipei City, foreign English-teaching assistants and local teachers have incorporated English into activities such as walking tours, food and agriculture experiences, international exchanges and ordering food, he said.
“These real-life scenarios allow students to use English in practical settings, helping them gradually build language ability through daily interaction and making English a bridge connecting them to the wider world,” Chang said.
Jhih Hang Elementary School in Chiayi City organizes bilingual sports events and drone camps on weekends, combining English, athletics and technology learning, the ministry said.
Through hands-on activities and teamwork, students naturally practice English, while task-based learning helps them improve language skills as well as scientific literacy and team spirit through exploration and challenges, Chang said.
With the support of foreign English-teaching assistants, students can engage with English in a relaxed and natural atmosphere, gradually overcoming mental barriers to language learning, he said.
Each successful attempt at communication helps students develop a sense of achievement and self-confidence, he added.
The ministry would continue to expand the ELTA program, bolster teaching support systems and help schools develop more diverse, context-based English learning activities, Chang said.
The goal is to make English not just a classroom subject, but part of everyday life, helping children speak confidently and prepare for a future connected with the world, he said.
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