This joint Ukrainian-American project was hosted by Kryvyi Rih State Pedagogical University and sponsored with the help of a Peace Corps Partnership Grant. Each session students, local teachers and university postgraduates, had the opportunity to share lesson plans, exchange ideas and learn the very latest in teaching methods from Kryvyi Rih State Pedagogical University’s experienced professionals and Peace Corps Volunteers.

The project had been developed by joint efforts of the teachers of the English Language and Methodology Department ( M.Tsehelska, N.Solovyova, L.Sorochan, O.Kopitsa ) and several Peace Corps volunteers who work in different universities and schools of Ukraine (Sarah Whelan, Cindy Divalsar, Julia Johansen, Mandy Friedman, Frank Kersting ). It was initiated by Ms. Marina Tsehelska, PhD, Fulbright Professor, Chair of the English Language and Methodology Department at Kryvyi Rih State Pedagogical University. This project became possible thanks to the immeasurable help and support of the US Peace Corps in Ukraine and the administration of Kryvyi Rih State Pedagogical University.

The aim of the project was to acquaint local teachers and postgraduate students with innovative teaching methods and to develop students’ communicative competence through debates and creating games. The students gained skills in speaking, writing, listening and creating engaging assignments. The teachers of the English Language and Methodology Department provided presentations on communicative approach, critical thinking and error correction. Our American colleagues presented workshops on reading, speaking, writing and listening skills. The programme also included American cultures studies and a presentation dedicated to the 2008 American election and its key concepts.