A Lesson for Language Teachers

Recently I inspected a school. I had to observe one English lesson in Class X. Teacher was ready with full preparedness. She had planned to involve students in a role play.

At the spur of the moment an idea flashed in my mind that I should  test the writing skill of this class in English and Hindi. Testing of writing skill is usually skipped during formal inspections.

I asked students to write 2 short paragraphs in about 100 words each both in English and Hindi. The topic was: Today’s Morning Assembly. I got their written responses evaluated. The outcome was disappointing. But a ray of hope beamed.

I found one piece of writing which was absolutely error free. I got impressed. After lesson observation that student was called. I was extremely eager to know as to how that particular student had mastered writing skill whereas other students were lagging far behind.

She was admired first for her excellent writing skill and then asked what her father was. She said he was a farmer who never helped her in studies. My curiosity got multiplied further. The next question was a usual question as which English teacher her role model was. She said she had learnt English from 3 teachers but in fact no teacher could inspire her much. This was an eye opener. I enquired how you improved your writing skill then.

Her reply was the final remedy to our perennial problem. She said she started moving outside the prescribed text books. She has been listening to various discussions in English on YouTube  for the last couple of years and has also been reading  e-books and e-newspapers on internet. In due course of time her understanding of English language started improving which also resulted into the improvement of writing skills.

Teachers need to inspire their students to expand their reading habits by transcending prescribed text books. I also mean that the prescribed text books should also be read in detail. Such home assignments should be given to them which compel them to listen to English conversations  on TV/Radio/Internet. Further, teachers should guide them about open resources available on internet in the form of e-books, e-mgazines ,e-news papers and blogs. This will work equally for the linguistic competence in any language.

A word of encouragement will go a long way!