Vientiane:The Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) of Lao PDR, with support from the Australian Government through the BEQUAL program, has initiated research focused on enhancing children’s Lao language and literacy skills. This study specifically targets students who speak languages other than Lao at home and is conducted by the Lao Language Research Center in collaboration with the BEQUAL program.
According to Lao News Agency, the research aims to observe students’ learning progress over one school year, analyzing teaching practices, classroom conditions, and learning materials. The findings will guide future curriculum development, teacher training, and language support lesson implementations, such as Spoken Lao.
The research commenced with an inception workshop and subsequent training sessions in September, involving representatives from MoES, the Australian Embassy, and the Australian Council for Educational Research. Dr. Vongphet Oudomlith, Director General of RIES, emphasized the need to understand classroom dynamics and support for students with diverse language backgrounds. Australian Embassy First Secretary Michael Currie highlighted the importance of strong language and literacy skills for foundational learning.
The Early Grade Learning Assessment (EGLA) marks the first phase of fieldwork, running from September 16 to October 2. Sixty trained enumerators are visiting 250 schools across Lao PDR, assessing Grade 1 and Grade 3 students on various language skills. This baseline data will track students’ learning progress until April 2027, focusing on both Lao and non-Lao speaking students.
Enumerators noted the value of observing diverse learning environments, with Ms. Sykarn Dethlavong from Luang Namtha TTC and Ms. Khonesavanh Saisomphou from Savannakhet TTC emphasizing the importance of language proficiency for overall learning success. Mr. Ja Lao, from Khang Khai TTC, stated the assessment would inform teacher training and curriculum development.
The research will also investigate classroom practices and factors influencing language learning, aiming to support curriculum reform and professional development initiatives. Dr. Vongphet reaffirmed RIES’s commitment to rigorous research and strengthening national research capacity, while Michael Currie underscored the investment’s significance for educational policy and equal opportunities for children in Lao PDR.
