The Project to Improve English in Rural Schools (PIERS) held a closing ceremony for a group of 57 teachers who were selected from 20 different schools around Tawau, Sabah and who had successfully completed the program in 2009. Last year’s PIERS project in Tawau was very successful with results far exceeding expectations, in proficiency, methodology and with attendance approaching 100%. The closing ceremony was held at King Park Hotel in Tawau on 8 February 2010.

PIERS focuses on a more student-centred approach to learning where students are actively involved in their own learning by participating in pair and group tasks. There is a shift away from students sitting passively listening to the teacher and reading from textbooks to more practical tasks in discovery learning, interacting with peers and practicing the language and skills being taught, which means learning by doing.