Product Implementation
Pearson Virtual Teacher Supporting Teaching and Learning
PVT At-School is a hybrid classroom (OMO) teaching solution where a native English-speaking teacher located in another country, in this case Australia, presents English lessons to students in a virtual environment. During virtual lessons students are in class with a local teacher who assists students as needed. In addition, the use of technology supports students in learning English. At China Hong Kong English School a variety of technology is used in the PVT classes, including smartboards, tablets, computers, smart phones and online quizzes/games. Heidi, Carol and Sophie shared their experience teaching English at China Hong Kong English School. Heidi teaches 2nd and 4th grade, students aged 7-8 and 10-11 respectively. She co-presents lessons with the native English-speaking teacher. Their typical lesson consists of new vocabulary, grammar and extracurricular readings. She finds this combination to be “very functional.” Carol and Sophie both teach 5th grade students aged 9-11. When co-teaching with the native English-speaking teacher their typical lessons consist of question and answering sessions and readings. Sophie appreciates that PVT lessons are more relaxed, which makes English language learning convenient and accessible for teachers and students alike.
Prior to the pandemic China Hong Kong English School had native English-speaking teachers in-house to teach English. However, as a result of the pandemic, English language learning with native English-speaking teachers was moved online. This presented a main challenge for the school and PVT was a great solution for them. “It is hard for foreign teachers to travel to China. We used to have foreign teachers in the school, but because of COVID, we have a lack of foreign teachers. It has been really hard to find qualified foreign teachers up until now…PVT really helps solve this current problem. It is very good.” The teachers believe having access to native English- speaking teachers supports student English language learning and affords students a better way to experience foreign culture and context. Heidi notes that local teachers often use Chinese to explain topics while the native English-speaking teachers only speak English in class, which encourages students to think and speak in English leading to better mastery of the language.
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