Overview
The South Asian Centre for Teacher Development (SACTD), a UNESCO Category 2 Centre in Education, partnered with the US-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission to host a two-day workshop aimed at advancing teaching strategies and cross-cultural communication for Generation Z learners. Held at SACTD, Meepe, this event marked a vital step in international collaboration for educator development in South Asia.
The workshop, titled “Unlocking Potential: Empowering Teachers through Language and Culture,” welcomed over 40 educators from diverse institutions and was conducted by Fulbright Fellow Ms. Monica Zhung, with key moderation and support from Dr. Jayantha Wattavidanage, Deputy Director General – Academic Affairs, SACTD.
Prof. Jayantha Wattevidanage
Brief Description
The workshop was designed to build educator capacity by focusing on interactive, culturally responsive teaching strategies tailored for Gen Z students.
Enhance classroom engagement with innovative, student-centered strategies.
Strengthen cross-cultural competence through practical, real-world insights.
Foster collaboration and critical thinking among educators and learners.
Introduce global educational opportunities via Fulbright programmes and networks.
Approach
Socratic Seminar & Fishbowl Activities – Boosted active listening and classroom collaboration.
Cultural Communication Case Studies – Explored how culture shapes language and interaction.
Communication Style Mapping – Helped educators understand cultural variations in dialogue.
“Decode This Gesture” Game – Taught non-verbal cues and global body language.
Roleplays & Group Challenges – Developed real-time adaptability and empathy.
Resource Sharing & Energizers – Provided ready-to-use classroom strategies for daily teaching.
The Results
The workshop received enthusiastic feedback from participants representing both the public and private sectors in Sri Lanka, along with Maldivian institutions.
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Teachers reported enhanced confidence in applying cross-cultural strategies.
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Participants found the interactive activities practical and classroom-ready.
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The event opened new networking and professional development pathways.
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Educators expressed eagerness for more SACTD-Fulbright collaborations.
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Dr. Monica Zhang, keynote speaker and Fulbright Fellow, inspired educators with dynamic strategies, cultural insights, and Gen Z-focused methods to enhance classroom engagement and communication.
Dr. Patrick McNamara, Executive Director of the US-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission, shared visionary perspectives on international collaboration, scholarship opportunities, and the value of global teacher development.
Dr. Jayantha Wattavidanage, Moderator and DDG–Academic Affairs at SACTD, guided discussions, ensured academic relevance, and connected regional priorities with international best practices throughout the interactive workshop.
