Make Learning English Enjoyable!

            I refer to two letters published on July 29, “Minding your English is hard, but it pays off” by Liong Kam Chong and “Anxiety hampers students’ learning” by Sumati Muniandy. The writers expressed concern and provided suggestions on why and how students and school-leavers should master English, especially speaking and writing skills.

            Liong suggested that school-leavers should be “the first in their families to use English”. The suggestion might work, but only for those living in urban and suburban areas, and not those in rural areas. Urban students are likely to be influenced, encouraged and motivated by their environment where the community uses English, no matter how occasional, broken or standard it is. School-leavers will pick up frequently used vocabulary and include them in conversations at home.

            However, there is hardly any chance that the strategy will work on rural students. From my experience in teaching rural students and conducting English programs for them, these students were hesitant and anxious to use the language despite being around friends with whom they should be comfortable. At home, surrounded by those with no interest using the language, it would be even more difficult for them to start speaking English. Some assume these learners will gain motivation to learn English independently after they leave school, but the reality may disappoint. They would rather do menial jobs than sign up for English courses or put individual efforts to improve their English for the sake of getting a decent job.

            One way to help rural learners learn English is by cultivating interest before they leave schools. English teachers need to help overcome learners’ fear and anxiety in learning the language. Sumati was right about students feeling nervous and not confident when speaking in public. I suggest teachers carry out English On-Air programmes to help students indirectly speak to the public as they act as announcers a la radio deejays in schools. Gradually, students will improve their confidence and eliminate their fear when speaking in English.  

            Learning will be effective if teachers establish close rapport with learners. Given that English is not the preferred subject of many students, teachers should be smart in making students love the subject. To punish them harshly when they fail to improve their performance, reach a certain target or be proficient in the language is not a professional move. Instead, teachers need to modify their teaching styles and remind students not to give up. Make them feel safe, happy, motivated and curious to learn more about the language. Children should not be perceived as sponges that will absorb knowledge immediately as not everyone is a fast learner.

To create a stress-free environment, young learners should be treated with love and care while teenage learners should be treated like friends or adults. Fostering a friendly relationship will bridge the gap between teachers and learners. It will also make the seeds of respect, sincerity and enjoyment grow and make learning a worthwhile experience.

Courtesy of New Straits Times

31 July 2015