Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about TaRL? Here are some Frequently Asked Questions.
What is Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL)?
Teaching at the Right Level is an approach that does exactly what it sounds like, it allows instructors to teach children at their own learning levels. Through fun and play-based teaching and learning activities, the TarL approach helps children learn foundational reading and maths skills through level-based interactive activities. This approach was pioneered by Indian NGO Pratham, and has since scaled globally.
Is TaRL right for my context?
TaRL is not right for every context, organisation, or government. Assess whether it might be appropriate for your circumstances, and then engage with the TaRL Africa team on your ideas and plans. info@teachingattherightlevel.org. Read more
How are children assessed in TaRL interventions?
The TaRL testing tool assesses foundational reading and maths skills (number recognition and basic operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division). When creating assessment tools, TaRL implementers are guided by specific principles. Click here to see an example of how assessment tools are created.
Is there a TaRL curriculum?
No, TaRL classes are not based on a curriculum. TaRL classes encourage instructors instead to focus on the learning level of the child, keep track of what children can and cannot do, and allow each child to properly grasp foundational skills. TaRL activities are guided by the core principles above and the specific principles for reading and mathematics classes.
Can I create new TaRL activities or games?
Yes, when TaRL programme implementers decide to create new level-appropriate games or activities, they consider the core TaRL principles, as well as the specific reading and maths skills they are aiming to develop. When they try out these new games or activities, they reflect on the practical aspects (classroom space, time, whether each child is able to participate), and observe whether the game or activity helps children to grasp key concepts.