The Way Forward: Learning from international experience of TEYL
About the Venue
Regional Institute of English, South India (RIESI), Bangalore
RIESI new accommodation and
conference block
Set in the sprawling campus of Bangalore University, RIESI was established in 1963 to address the English language teaching-learning needs of South India, and is funded and administered by the four Southern States of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. RIESI ‘s mission is to research and conduct programmes for English language teacher training, curriculum planning and materials development for the State schools of the four States of Peninsular India. RIESI’s concern and involvement with English language teaching at the primary and secondary levels make it a fitting venue for this conference.
The RIESI has a well-stocked library and is equipped with modern, computerised language learning facilities and conducts a number of in-service training programmes for primary and secondary school teachers on campus and in the distance teaching mode. RIESI offers diploma courses and other certified programmes to schoolteachers teaching English. The most innovative and interesting programmes in recent years have been the use of satellite and radio technology to train teachers and broadcast lessons to classrooms across the South.
The research wing of the RIESI has been engaged in a number of studies and surveys involving young learners. The most recent of these has been a survey undertaken to identify the level at which English can be effectively introduced into the primary classes.
Apart from training and research activities, the RIESI has planned curricula and created materials for English learning in the Southern States. RIESI’s latest projects include a Multimedia Package and a Primary Resource Centre for Young Learners to promote language acquisiton and to support their language learning.
“The English Classroom” is the RIESI’s biannual journal.
Contact Details:
Regional Institute of English, South India
Jnanabharathi Campus, Bangalore 560 056
Ph: +91 - 080 - 2321 84352 / 2321 3243
Fax: +91 - 080 - 2321 1732
Email:
riesi [at] kar [dot] nic [dot] in
/
riesi_blr [at] yahoo [dot] com
URL: http://riesi.kar.nic.in
About Bangalore
Bangalore, now Bengaluru, the capital of the South Indian State of Karnataka, got its name from Bendakalooru (the town of boiled beans). Legend has it that a king strayed into the area during a hunting trip in the late 14th century and a woman offered him a meal of boiled beans which the king enjoyed so much that he named the town after the dish. Bengaluru is a transliteration of the original spelling.
Bangalore is blessed with a delightful climate and is pleasant almost all round the year. In January, temperatures are usually in the mid 20s. The many historic and scenic spots in and around Bangalore (visit websites listed below) make it a wonderful base for a holiday after the conference. The beautiful temples at Belur and Halebid, the mind-boggling ruins of the Vijaynagara at Hampi, Srirangapatna, the capital of Tipu Sultan and Mysore city are all worth a visit. The sanctuary at Ranganathittu is a bird watcher’s paradise.
A cosmopolitan city, Bangalore is home to some of India's premier scientific establishments and the hub of the IT industry in Asia. Bangalore is a happening place and hosts a number of cultural events in the winter. It also has excellent restaurants and pubs.
http://kstdc.nic.in/
http://www.virtualbangalore.com/aBlr/index.php
http://www.karnataka.com/tourism/bangalore
http://www.frommers.com/destinations/bangalore/3494010001.html
Maps
http://www.dreamroutes.org/southern/rangtittu.html
http://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/karnataka/bangalore-map.htm
http://mapsofindia.com/bangalore/bangalore.html
Getting Here
By Air
You can fly into Bangalore directly from many international cities. Bangalore is also connected to all the major cities of India by air. Bangalore Airport is 8 km from the city centre. Though tourist taxis or auto-rickshaws are available for transfer from the airport, it is advisable to take the Prepaid taxi service to RIESI. The prepaid taxi should cost around 300 - 350 Rupees.
By Rail
Bangalore is connected to New Delhi, the National Capital by weekly Rajdhani Express and daily Karnataka Express. It is also well connected with Bombay by Udayan and Kurla Express, to Madras (now called Chennai) by Madras Mail, Lal Bagh Shatabdi and Brindavan Express and also to Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Calcutta, Hyderabad, and Mangalore by express trains.
A prepaid auto from the station to RIESI should cost around Rs 100.
