How to organize a pilot class

How to organize a pilot class

by	Carole P. Spaeth (compiler)

Introduction
	A pilot class is useful to test new materials and to work through the fine points of teaching a new course. This makes revision of materials easier, and reveals areas that need to be covered more thoroughly in in-service training for teachers. The insights you gain from pilot classes will prepare you to begin adding literacy classes and enlarging the program.

Things to do

Here are the things to do when you organize a pilot class:

Decide what materials and procedures you need to test in a pilot class.
Prepare draft copies of the instructional materials and other materials needed for the classes.
Decide how many pilot classes you need.

Tip:
For adequate test results, you need at least two classes, taught by different teachers.
Decide how many and what kind of learners to have in each class.

Tip:
The learners should be representative of all members of the intended audience.
If you are not teaching the classes yourself, decide how many teachers you need and who they will be.

Tip:
Choose local teachers who speak the local language whenever possible.
Train the teachers well.
Decide where and when to have the classes and make the necessary arrangements.
Be ready to
- observe the classes
- get feedback from the learners and teachers
- evaluate the results of what you see and hear, and
- revise the materials and process as necessary.

Context for this page:

This page is an extract from the LinguaLinks Library, Version 4.0, published on CD-ROM by SIL International, 1999. [Ordering information.]

Page content last modified: 22 October 1999