Teaching English in the Secondary level : Aims and Principles

ENGLISH is the subject in which teachers and parents are most vitally interested, for it is not only the groundwork of all the other studies but the foundation of career. This article aims to give teachers of elementary and high school English as well as mothers and all others interested in child training knowledge of the English language, types of literature and the most representative classics. It is intended to show definitely how to present the various skills of English language so that classes will appreciate the type, and will acquire a liking for the language.  By means of concrete teaching suggestions the application of practical methods to the various secondary classics is made clear.

Teaching English in the Secondary level continues to hold significant importance as it equips students with essential language skills for effective communication and enables their participation in a globalized world. With the advancement of technology and changing socio-cultural dynamics, the aims and principles of teaching English have evolved to cater to the needs of the 21st-century learners. Let's explore the updated aims and principles for teaching English in the Secondary level, considering the Indian perspective in 2023 NEP and beyond. Precisely speaking , in realizing the aims of teaching English in India at the present set up there are several initiatives which are common principles followed by teacher in developing language skills in under standing speaking, reading and writing.

Primary Aim and Objectives of teaching English

Communication Skills: The primary aim of teaching English is to develop students' communication skills, both verbal and written. Emphasis should be placed on fostering effective speaking, listening, reading, and writing abilities to enable students to express themselves fluently and confidently in English.

Functional Language Use: Teaching English should focus on providing students with language skills that are practical and applicable to real-life situations. Students should be equipped with the ability to use English for various purposes, such as social interactions, academic pursuits, and professional contexts.

Language Proficiency: The aim is to develop students' language proficiency by enhancing their vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. The focus should be on enabling students to understand and produce grammatically correct sentences, expand their vocabulary, and develop clear and accurate pronunciation.

Cultural Awareness: English language teaching should promote cultural understanding and tolerance. Students should be exposed to diverse cultural perspectives and texts to foster empathy and intercultural competence. This can be achieved through the inclusion of literature, films, and discussions that reflect India's rich cultural heritage and global diversity.

Critical Thinking and Creativity: Teaching English should encourage critical thinking skills and foster creativity among students. They should be guided to analyze texts, question ideas, and develop their own interpretations. Activities like debates, group discussions, and project-based learning can promote critical thinking and creative expression.

Digital Literacy: Given the increasing role of technology in communication, teaching English should incorporate digital literacy skills. Students should be familiarized with online resources, digital tools, and platforms to enhance their language learning and digital communication abilities.

Inclusive Education: It is essential to adopt inclusive practices in teaching English to cater to the diverse needs of students. Differentiated instruction, considering learners' abilities, learning styles, and linguistic backgrounds, should be implemented to ensure that all students can actively participate and progress in their English language development.

Assessment for Learning: Assessment methods should focus on formative assessment, providing constructive feedback to students for improvement. Regular assessments should evaluate students' language skills, progress, and areas requiring further development. Continuous evaluation will guide instructional planning and facilitate personalized learning experiences.

Multimodal Approaches: With the emergence of multimedia and digital resources, teaching English should embrace multimodal approaches. Incorporating visual, auditory, and interactive elements, such as videos, audio clips, online platforms, and language learning applications, can engage students and enhance their language acquisition process.

Lifelong Learning: English language education should instill a love for learning and promote lifelong learning skills. Students should be encouraged to explore English beyond the classroom, read extensively, and engage in self-directed learning. Developing autonomous language learners will enable students to continue improving their English proficiency even after completing their formal education.

Principles to be followed by teacher in realizing the aims of teaching English:-

            In order to secure on realize the aims of teaching English in the secondary stage the teacher will have to adopt the following principles.

            1) The teacher will use audiovisual aids to help the pupils to perform the task of understanding speaking, reading and writing language. The different aids will be demonstrated and at the same time the students will be asked to read and write corresponding things in English language. They will make more and more Practices and when they will be able to understand write and read the corresponding things in English without the help of aids or without the assistance of teacher then it may be said that the linguistic aims has been acquired to same extent by the students.

            2) The teacher will ask the students to make simple conversation in English with him and gradually he will allow the students to make English conversation between them. They will acquire the ability of speaking in English. The teacher after some times will select a topic and ask the students to speak a few sentences in English on the topic. If required he will help them to speak correctly. When the students are able to speak correctly in English it may be admitted that the ability of speaking has been acquired to an extent.

            3) The students will be asked to read extracts of prose and poetry write paragraphs, write a letter in English and also to translate in English and in Bengali. Through more and more practices they will acquire taste and appreciation in addition to reading writing and speaking in English. When the students will be to able to give model reading, prepare beautiful aid on a particular topic and write paragraphs or letter or translate in proper way it may be said that the literacy aim has been acquired.

            4) The students will be given opportunities of be speaking in English in educational seminars conference where they have free acquaintance and communications with other countries through English.

            5) Technique is to be implemented in such concrete terms that teachers can bring it down to the level of their classes. The pedagogy is to be made as practical, cumulative, and definite in application as possible. Both theory and practice are to be combined in one unit. Since methods of teaching the language are of special value to the language learning more innovate and worthy experimentation can be done.

           6) The teacher needs definite detailed direction . The  lessons, which present actual methods of work, are to be guided as a key source of these directions.

       7)  Elementary and  school teachers must combine the various kinds of work--  literature has been correlated with other studies, history, composition, art, music, etc.

Principles to be followed in developing skills in understanding reading, writing and speaking English:-

These skills should be developed in relation to each others.

           1)The teacher while teaching a topic will try to develop the skills in a coherent ways. To develop the skills the teachers must have knowledge of the standard to be owned by the students for the development of these four skills. As regards the development of reading ability the teacher should enable the pupil to understand and enjoy the common English language of every one’s life.

          2)In the case of understanding English standard is to enable the pupils to understand ordinary English speech and the speech of address or techniques of untechnical character speaking at normal speech.

          3)The standard of knowledge for the development of speaking ability should be so limited that the pupil can acquire the ability to converse in colloquial English and to use the same sample English in continuous speech. Lastly the standard of writing English should enable the pupils to write the write the letter on matters of ordinary interest to him so that he must be familiar with commonest form of correspondence to friends relatives, tradesman and the few types of officials to whom he may address letters.

         4) The teacher will use visual aids to help the pupils to perform the task of under standing writing and reading English language. The different visual aids in the forms of pictures or models will be demonstrated and at the same time the students will be asked to read and write corresponding English words below the things or English names of the pictures or model. the students will make more and more practices and when they will be able to understand read and write the names of the pictures or models or the corresponding things in English without the help of aids or without the assistance of the teacher then it may be said that the skills of understanding reading and writing have been acquired to some extant by the students.

          5) The teacher will ask the students to make simple conversation in English with him and gradually he will allow the students to make English conversation between them. When they will gradually acquired the ability of speaking English. The teacher after sometimes will select topic and ask the students do speak a few sentences in English on the topic. If required he will help them to speak correctly. When the students are able to speak correctly in English it may be admitted that the ability of speaking English has been acquired to some extent.   

            6) Finally, the teacher will also try to humanize the teaching of language, to raise it above a mere monotonous study of mechanical details and yet to make it an educative force in the lives of average boys and girls, and to bring out its character-building power.

(updated:20/05/2023) 

Ardhendu De