There is currently little doubt that governments, schools and parents around the world endorse the need for learning English as part of basic education – English can bring access to education and jobs, promote social mobility, and connect people. At its best, English can confer many benefits.

Is, however, English always taught in the best possible way to realise these benefits for learners? The latest SHAPE Live event brought together three prominent scholars to debate the issue: Professor Stephen Dobson, Dean of the Faculty of Education at Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand; Professor Lina Mukhopadhyay, from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad in India; and Professor Ianthi Tsimpli, Chair of English and Applied Linguistics at the University of Cambridge.

Stephen began by reminding us that in many parts of the world English is often one piece of the linguistic repertoire of a community, which includes mother tongues and other languages. It is, therefore, important to make allowances for connections between the languages and cultures in which English is embedded.

• In the Indonesian context, for example, there is the concept that all education should embrace values that match the culture and that teaching should be done in a holistic fashion.
• Sometimes, however, when English is taught in other cultures, it is about assessment rather than balancing the values that are in existence in that particular culture.when offering an English language curriculum in an educational system or in a school, it’s important to ensure that it complements rather than competes with curricula in the national or local languages.

So, when offering an English language curriculum in an educational system or in a school, it’s important to ensure that it complements rather than competes with curricula in the national or local languages. Otherwise, it can disrupt national education policies and practices in non-English speaking countries. Poll of participants attending the SHAPE Live session on 24 May 2022 Poll of participants attending the SHAPE Live session on 24 May 2022 Lina brought in her experience with schools in India. Lina and Ianthi have been working on MultiLiLa, an interdisciplinary project, investigating ways to raise learning outcomes in primary schools across India through multilingualism and multiliteracy practices.

1. Their research examined cognitive, linguistic and mathematical abilities of multilingual Indian learners and the attitudes, language choices and practices of language and mathematics teachers.
2. English education is becoming more and more important in the primary school context in India and many states are considering whether they should introduce English as the medium of education from primary.

However, Lina pointed out that there are challenges with this approach for a majority of students who do not encounter English outside school and, as a result, their proficiency is limited. In these cases, their reading comprehension, which is the backbone of education, could suffer.

1. Lina suggests that translanguaging (the use of more than one language during an activity) and other multilingual practices can significantly aid comprehension and mathematics.
2. Rather than ‘getting lost in translation’, teachers can use the multilingual resources already developed in their students to propel their learning in a new language such as English.

Is, therefore, a better understanding of multilingual pedagogy and its efficient implementation in practice the key to the future of English in education? Is, therefore, a better understanding of multilingual pedagogy and its efficient implementation in practice the key to the future of English in education? Ianthi’s comments nodded towards that direction.

Best practice in teaching and learning English may differ for different parts of the world depending on the local context. An important variable to take into consideration here is whether the community or country is monolingual or multilingual. Where multilingualism is the norm and people do not restrict themselves to a unilingual practice in their everyday life, using translanguaging and multilingual resources to teach English (among other practices) may, in fact, be the way to go to build a gradual way of developing knowledge of English.

According to Ianthi, what we are missing at the moment at the educational level is sensitivity to diversity in terms of language practices around the world. English educators need to become aware of this diversity before they advise on which method is best to introduce English in their local context.

A successful model of introducing and teaching English in one part of the world (e.g. Europe) is not necessarily suitable for the same purposes in another part of the world (e.g. India), particularly where not only the overall culture but also language culture is different. For instance, when introducing a language as the language of instruction, both teachers and learners need to have a certain minimum level of proficiency in that language for this model to work successfully.

Otherwise, it may actually impede learning gains.in contexts where teachers and learners are multilingual, multilingual practices in teaching and learning in the classroom are advantageous and should be supported if we truly want education to help individuals flourish and realise their full potential.

In conclusion, research and practice across diverse contexts such as India, Indonesia and New Zealand supports the co-existence of English and other language curricula in ways that respect cultural and linguistic diversity and values. It also shows that in contexts where teachers and learners are multilingual, multilingual practices in teaching and learning in the classroom are advantageous and should be supported if we truly want education to help individuals flourish and realise their full potential.

Watch the recording of this SHAPE Live event  which took place on Tuesday, 24 May 2022 on the Cambridge University Press & Assessment YouTube channel.  You can also find out more about the SHAPE Education initiative and watch previous live events, SHAPE Live YouTube recording (24 May 2022) About the author: Angeliki Salamoura, Head of Learning Oriented Assessment Research (English) at Cambridge University Press & Assessment Angeliki has over 25 years of experience in the field of English education, as a teacher, researcher, research manager and assessment and learning specialist.

As Head of Learning Oriented Assessment Research (English), she leads on research into language learning, integrated learning and assessment and the CEFR. Angeliki also has extensive experience in impact and education reform projects, ranging from CEFR familiarisation and benchmarking to test and programme evaluation.

In this context, she has led impact assessment projects in the K-12 and vocational sectors in Europe, Asia and South America. She is one of the contributors to the PISA 2025 Foreign Language Assessment Framework and has been on the Experts Group who advised on the constructs of the accompanying PISA 2025 Background Questionnaires.
View complete answer

What are the roles of English?

English, being the first world language, is said to be the first global lingua franca and it is the most widely used language in the world in international trade, diplomacy, mass entertainment, international telecommunications and scientific publications as well as publishing newspapers and other books.
View complete answer

What is the role of English language in student life?

Importance of English in a student’s life 06-Jun-2019 English being a global language has undoubtedly and indirectly become an important aspect in deciding the future of our students. Looking at the broad acceptance and understanding that this language has garnered worldwide, be it a student’s pursuit of education, future career or as simple as his or her inclusion within society, the vital role English plays, cannot be negated.

If we talk of higher education programs abroad or even a nationalized course, they are written and taught in English. Any entrance exam today does check a candidate’s ability to demonstrate a certain level of English proficiency. We live in a connected, global world where English is used as the main language for almost every communication.

It’s no surprise, then, that many more doors will open for those who can speak and understand English than for those who can’t. Speaking and understanding English means that they can communicate with a major chunk of people. If one does not understand the native language of a place, English opens doors to an exchange of ideas because even if the natives don’t speak English, the understanding of the language to some extent still exists.

English is ‘the’ tool used by internet and media. A basic understanding of it definitely opens new avenues to self online study and fruitful access to the available resources. Reading articles and watching videos becomes useful for learning and understanding the working of several aspects and knowing the fact that English is the universal language used in movies, books, magazines, songs, and online articles, its importance needs no glorification.

In order to be a part of the global community, and to participate in the conversations that help to get an edge over the others, an understanding of English is necessary. By learning English, students can more confidently participate in conversations with nobody to tell them that they don’t belong here.
View complete answer

What is the most important role of an English teacher?

What Makes a Good English Teacher? – Select English WP_Post Object ( => 2843 => 38 => 2017-10-26 12:44:38 => 2017-10-26 11:44:38 => Here at Select English, we like to think we know a thing or two about what makes a good English teacher! All of our teachers are highly qualified (holding a CELTA or Trinity Certificate as a minimum requirement, while many of our core teaching team also hold the DELTA). But qualifications are not the only markers of a great teacher. We asked our Assistant Director of Studies, Jo, for her opinion on how to be a good English teacher. Select English Assistant Director of Studies, Jo A good English teacher knows that students who are engaged and ready to learn are those who will improve the most. So how do we keep our students interested in their lessons?

Making sure the lessons are learner-centred and students are active in lessons, to keep them engaged and also because people learn better by doing things. Helping students set goals and explaining why particular class activities are useful, so that students understand how the lesson content relates to their goals. They will be more enthusiastic if they understand how the lessons are helping them. Using a variety of materials and activities to personalise lessons; teachers should get to know the interests, needs and goals of the students and plan lessons that relate to those. Teachers should listen to what the students want, but also make sure students are aware of what their own needs and goals are and how to achieve them. For example, most of our students want to get a high IELTS score, but aren’t always aware of how to do so, or that General English classes are important as well as IELTS classes. We help them to understand that improving their General English knowledge will lead to a better IELTS score, while also teaching them the specific skills required for the exam.

Teaching vocabulary and grammar are important, but to be a truly good English teacher, you must also instruct your students in how to learn. We do this in the following ways:

Helping students to become independent learners, by giving them the necessary study skills to be able to use and practice their English independently. Focusing on all skill areas (reading, writing, speaking, listening) as well grammar and vocabulary, so students develop across the board. In exam focused classes, making sure students are aware of the content of the exam and different task types and ensuring that students have practice in all of these.

We can only improve if we understand the areas in which we perform well and those in which we’re struggling – and this applies to teachers as well as students!

A good English teacher gives their students constructive feedback and helps them to learn from it. Getting regular feedback from students is also important, so teachers are aware of how students perceive lessons and to make sure they are happy. We do this with structured weekly tutorials and through informal conversations with students.

Many of the teachers at Select English are highly experienced and have taught English in a variety of different countries and contexts. However, we understand that it is essential for our staff to continue learning and improving every day, so we have an excellent Continuing Professional Development programme for teachers.

The best teachers are those who are focussed on their development, so we encourage our teachers to attend workshops and training days alongside the training we provide in-house. Our teachers enjoy working in a strong team, supporting each other and sharing ideas.

What do you think makes a good English teacher? Let us know in the comments. If you would like to be taught by our brilliant teachers, ! => What Makes a Good English Teacher? => => archive => open => open => => what-makes-good-english-teacher => => => 2020-11-23 09:50:52 => 2020-11-23 09:50:52 => => 0 => https://www.selectenglish.co.uk/?p=2843 => 0 => post => => 0 => raw ) : What Makes a Good English Teacher? – Select English
View complete answer

What is the benefits of English to students?

Benefit #2: Explore the world with confidence – Travel and exploring the world are once again on many people’s agendas. As well as countries where English is the main language, such as the UK, United States, Canada, New Zealand and Australia, there are scores of different countries which also list English as an official language! These include Malaysia, Singapore, Fiji, Kenya, Hong Kong, India, Mauritius and the Philippines, Knowledge of English equips you with the tools to travel and communicate more effectively in so many parts of the world, which, in turn, allows to you to explore and travel more confidently and to learn more about the countries and cultures you visit.
View complete answer

What is the role of language in improving education?

It sounds obvious: teach students in the language that they understand. But it isn’t obvious for many. Over the last decades we have witnessed tremendous progress in increasing access to schooling, yet the world still finds itself amid a global learning crisis.

• Despite most countries having universal or near-universal enrollment in primary education, too little learning is taking place.
• More than half the world’s primary school students face Learning Poverty because they fail to be able to read and understand a simple text by age 10.
• Their ability to succeed in school and invest in themselves and their futures as adults is imperiled as a result.

One reason for this is hiding in plain sight: up to 37% of the world’s school children are taught in a language they do not speak at home and do not use and understand well. Language of instruction policies, which should be setting children up for success, are too frequently dooming them to failure right from the start of primary school.

• The Science of Learning The research is clear: students learn to read and write by mapping the sounds and symbols of a writing system onto the words they learned in their parents’ laps.
• The better their oral language abilities, the faster and easier they learn to read.
• When confronted by an unfamiliar language in the classroom, progress becomes next to impossible.

This is part of the reason why, in some countries, many students are not able to read any words, and only know a few letter names in the language they are required to learn in. They are in school, their parents assume they are learning, but they aren’t.

It happens to Nigerian kids who should be taught in Hausa, to Haitian kids who should be taught in Haitian creole, to Mozambican kids who should be taught in Makhuwa. A new report by the World Bank points out the many ways the situation can and should be improved. When students are taught in the language they speak and understand well, they learn to read better and faster,

They are also better placed to learn a second language; to master other academic content such as math, science, and history; and to develop their cognitive abilities most fully. Children learning in their home language are also more likely to enroll and stay in school longer.

Effective language of instruction policies improve learning and school progression and also reduce country costs per student, enabling more efficient use of public funds to enhance access and quality of education for all children. Successful Approaches to Language of Instruction Countries face a diverse array of challenges.

One country may have dozens of different languages spoken. In another, students may speak one language at home, another on the playground, and be expected to learn in a third, national language. From these varied experiences, the report showcases successful approaches: (i) teach children in their home language starting in early childhood education through at least the end of primary school; (ii) use the home language for instruction in academic subjects beyond reading and writing; (iii) introduce any additional language as a subject with primary emphasis on oral language skills; (iv) continue to use the home language for instruction in some form, even after a different language becomes the official language of instruction; and (v) continuously plan, develop, adapt, and improve the implementation of language of instruction policies.

By bringing a language lens to the students’ school experience, policymakers orient their school systems for success as they consider how to build back better post-COVID19. Systems need to focus on essential learning and raise the efficiency of the teaching and learning process. Teaching in the right languages and implementing good language of instruction policies will help achieve these goals.

Good Language Policies are Critical but Not Enough While representing an important factor for literacy promotion, these language of instruction policies need to be well integrated within a larger literacy policy package of policies. Isolated initiatives are ineffective.

There must be: (i) a political and technical commitment to literacy, partly reflected by a commitment to measure and monitor learning outcomes; (ii) teachers must be supported with lesson plans; (iii) teachers should be coached; (iv) quality books and texts must be available; and (v) parents and communities must be engaged to foster a love of books and reading at home.

At the same time, wise use of technology can facilitate the implementation of the whole package and, in general, the design and implementation of good language policies and practices. Whether it’s innovative ways to map and measure proficiency levels of students and teachers, simplify the creation and adaptation of new learning materials across languages, or deliver and supplement instruction itself, technology is producing better and more reliable tools.

Many of these, such as cellphone-based technologies, have become commonplace even in the poorest regions of the world. They can now make teaching in the right language faster, easier, and potentially less expensive. Ultimately, to tackle learning poverty, an instructionally coherent approach is needed.

An approach centered on what it takes to improve the teaching and learning process between student and teacher, and then seek aligned and coordinated ways to support this at scale. A literacy policy package in the right language can ensure basic literacy and allows for a better experience in school and an easier introduction of a second language.

REPORT: Loud and Clear: Effective Language of Instruction Policies For Learning (Translations available in French, Portuguese, Arabic, Spanish, Swahili, Wolof, and Hausa)) PRESS RELEASE: Teaching young children in the language they speak at home is essential to eliminate Learning Poverty (Translations available in French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Arabic) VIDEO: Loud and Clear: Effective Language of Instruction Policies for Learning EVENT: Report Launch (Interpretations available in Spanish, Arabic, French, and Portuguese)

View complete answer

Why English is important in higher education?

Importance of English for Higher Education And Going Abroad – BAFEL Official Blog

June 23, 2018 no comments

English is not only an international language but essential language for interpersonal communication across the world. Learning English is as important as eating food for a living. English is the language for research in any field be it student life or for business.

• It is essential to learn, read, speak and write in English.
• It is an important language because as we go anywhere across the globe, English is the most common language which people overseas can speak and write without any hurdle.
• It plays an important role in spreading knowledge of any kind.
• One has to have a good knowledge of English to access the sources of any information.

India is the third largest English book producing country after u.k. ENGLISH FOR HIGHER STUDIES: It is true that English is very important for higher studies as with the help of this language we become aware of new technologies as maximum details are available today in English language only.

So, it is a must for everyone to have complete knowledge of this. When someone goes for higher studies English is the most common language used everywhere, if one does not have good English skills, he/she cannot opt for higher studies. Today, most of the publishing companies are publishing books in English language only for students who are studying for higher education.

So, it is vital for every student to learn this as without this it would not be possible to study at a higher level. The UNO( UNITED NATIONS ORGANISATION) has given English the status of an official language. If English would not have been there, we would not have seen India’s development.

English plays an important role in Indian education system. One can achieve success in any field because of English as the vocabulary and terminology used in different fields like technology, medicine is available in English only. Apart from schooling many competitive exams also reflect importance of English.

Through these exams, the language proficiency of a candidate is assessed. They test communication skills, vocabulary and pronunciations. Therefore, we can sum up in the following given points that why English is important for higher studies:

Almost all books are available in English language only. Most of the pioneer publishing companies are publishing books in English. The terminology and vocabulary in any field like medicine, Technology Space etc. are available in English only. English has been given the status of official language by UNO. All competitive exams for higher studies are in English language only. Those students who wish to travel abroad for higher studies have to clear competitive exams in English language.

ENGLISH FOR GOING ABROAD: We all go through many formalities before visiting abroad like passport check and all others but is these formalities are enough to travel abroad.Well, the most important thing which we forget thatAre we capable enough to speak and write in English language?

It is the first and foremost thing that we all should possess good communication skills in English language for going abroad. English the most common language widely accepted all over the world. Since English is used in so many countries, one probably use English to communicate in many travel situations.

Learning and speaking skilled English will also make us confident. It would be easier to communicate freely with everyone and it actually improves the quality of understanding when we express ourselves freely. Speaking English actually enables us to enjoy freedom while visiting abroad otherwise, one has to be dependent on guides or translator for communication.

Understanding the local culture becomes easier because we can interact more effectively.

It is easy to communicate without hitch If one has a complete knowledge for English language. While going abroad with good communication skills in English people can explore more and understand more about their culture. properly can improve confidence. Situation becomes uncomplicated when we know the language of that country where we are visiting.

When one is able to speak English going abroad and studying for higher education becomes more handy as major challenges and difficulties can be ameliorated. Student Inquiry Form Form Fill out the form carefully for registration : Importance of English for Higher Education And Going Abroad – BAFEL Official Blog
View complete answer

What are the four important aims of teaching English in school?

Aims of Teaching English in India According to Thompson and Wyatt (1952) the four specific aims of teaching English are: (i) To understand spoken English. (ii) To speak English. (iii) To understand written English. (iv) To write English.
View complete answer

What is the role of English teacher in classroom?

What does an English teacher do? – English teachers work at schools and other institutions. They teach the principles of the English language, using different methods to deliver successful courses. English teacher responsibilities can vary based on the academic level and native language of the students.
View complete answer

What is the main role of teaching?

Broadly speaking, the function of teachers is to help students learn by imparting knowledge to them and by setting up a situation in which students can and will learn effectively. But teachers fill a complex set of roles, which vary from one society to another and from one educational level to another.

Some of these roles are performed in the school, some in the community, Roles in the school or university Mediator of learning Disciplinarian or controller of student behaviour Parent substitute Confidant to students Judge of achievement Organizer of curriculum Bureaucrat Scholar and research specialist Member of teachers’ organization Roles in the community Public servant Surrogate of middle-class morality Expert in some area of knowledge or skills Community leader Agent of social change In those areas in which teaching has not yet become a profession, the teacher may fill fewer of these roles.

The primary-school teacher in an agricultural society, for example, will fill only the first five of the school roles and the first and possibly the second of the community roles. Some of the roles conflict; that is, the performance of one, that of disciplinarian, for example, tends to conflict with another, such as that of confidant to students, or the role of independent and creative scholar will tend to conflict with that of the bureaucrat.
View complete answer

Why English is important short answer?

English has been regarded as the first global Lingua Franca. It has become part and parcel of almost every existing field. We use it as the international language to communicate in many fields ranging from business to entertainment. Many countries teach and encourage youngsters to acquire English as a second language.
View complete answer

What is the role of language in education and curriculum?

Language Across the Curriculum is a modern approach that emphasizes the role of language as a tool for learning other subjects and subject teaching as opportunities to substantiate linguistic competencies. Language plays an integral role in comprehension and in construction of new knowledge.
View complete answer

What is the main role of language?

Language is one of the most important parts of any culture. It is the way by which people communicate with one another, build relationships, and create a sense of community. There are roughly 6,500 spoken languages in the world today, and each is unique in a number of ways.
View complete answer

What are 3 benefits of learning English?

Learning English has been shown to improve cognitive function, increase your life expectancy, and help you save money. Also, there are quotes about learning languages. With this article, we hope to show you the hidden benefits of learning English.
View complete answer

What is the most important factor in learning English?

Interaction – Communication fosters connection Experience is the best teacher. Having the chance to talk with a native English speaker is important, when studying the language. Students can practice their skills through conversation. Students learn proper pronunciation and intonation through conversation.

1. A language student can also learn about the other aspects of a language such as colloquialisms and idioms better when speaking to a native speaker.
2. A native speaker is certain to have firsthand knowledge of these things, and they are sure to explain them better.
3. Students who have regular interactions with native speakers tend to learn the language faster.

Students who do not, or have limited interactions with native speakers might have slower progress. Like everything else that involves a degree of study. The experience of learning a new language can be different for everyone. Some may find it as easy as counting from one to three.

While others may find themselves sweating heavily just trying to read a short passage. It is a journey, but it is always a fulfilling one. Read: Order of Adjectives in English and its Components So, do you have plans of learning English as a second language soon? Or are you currently on your journey? Either way, please share your experience with us in the comments.

How well did you understand this lesson? Check your level of comprehension by answering this short quiz.
View complete answer

What are the 7 rules of English?

The seven rules are: studying phrases nor single words, do not study grammar rules, study grammar from speeches unconsciously, learn from the real English, study through listening rather than reading, repeat more to gain deep understanding, and learn from question-answer stories.
View complete answer

What is the role of English in Kenya?

Gateway to World Englishes

English functions as a second language in Kenya. It first came to the country in the 19th century, when the British colonized the territory. In 1895, the British declared Kenya a protectorate and in 1920 it became a British colony. At the time of colonization, Swahili had already been established as a trade language in most parts of the East African coast and it was also used in education.

Kenyan English has a number of characteristic particularities at the levels of phonology, grammar, lexicon and discourse. The major phonological features are the avoidance of fricatives, the loss of length contrast in vowels, the lack of the British English central vowels, the monophthongisation of diphthongs, and the dissolving of consonant clusters.

Some apparently stable grammatical features of Kenyan English are, for example, the omission of articles, the pluralisation of uncountable nouns, the avoidance of the relative pronoun whose, and the use of adjectives as nouns. Loan words from African languages are commonly used in the domains of environment, food, people, clothing, customs, and politics.

Reviews of available literature on books dealing with this English variety can be found : Gateway to World Englishes
View complete answer

What are the 7 functions of English language?

Mischa : I won’t be your friend if you won’t let me. Michael Halliday (2003:80) stated a set of seven initial functions, as follows: Regulatory, Interactional, Representational, Personal, Imaginative, Instrumental and Heuristic.
View complete answer

Jack Gloop