LANGUAGE IN INDIA

Problems in Teaching of English Language at
the Primary Level in District Kohat, NWFP, Pakistan

Muhammad Naseer Ud Din, Ph.D.

Abstract

In this paper, the author discusses problems in teaching of English language at the Primary Level in District Kohat, in the North-Western Frontier Provice (NWFP) in Pakistan. The study was undertaken to identify the problems of teachers as well as students, regarding the subject.

The main objectives of the study were

(i) to investigate the academic and professional qualification of English teachers,
(ii) to evaluate the problems related to teaching of English as compulsory subject in primary schools and
(iii) to make recommendations in the light of findings of the study.

Data collected through the questionnaires was tabulated, analyzed and interpreted by using percentage and chi square formula. In the light of the objectives, the main conclusions were: Majority of the teachers were matriculate and had the professional degree of PST, so they were under-qualified for teaching English at the primary level, Audio-Visual aids were not available in the schools and there was no environment of speaking English at schools. On the basis of the conclusions arrived at, recommendations were given. English language teachers should have professional qualifications up to B.Ed. The English language teachers should be provided special training to practice spoken English and should be enabled to use teaching methods specially designed for teaching English at the primary level. Adequate teaching aids may be provided in schools.

Key words:

English in Pakistan

English has always been rated high in Pakistan. In the past, it was treated as a compulsory subject from class six onwards in government school system. While it was offered as a compulsory subject in English medium schools and was used as a medium of instruction, the private schools offered English as a subject from nursery classes. It means that the students of government schools started studying English at the age of eleven years whereas the students of English medium schools started studying English at the age of four years. This created a serious problem for those students who did not study English from class one with the result that students of government primary school are rated low in admission for higher education and in getting jobs (Ahmad, 1987).

Problems of an English Teacher in Pakistan

An English teacher in Pakistan faces many problems. In the present situation, he is not in a position to do full justice to the difficult task of teaching English. The result is that most of the students face difficulties in this subject. Some of the teachers' problems include difficulty in overcoming the heavy influence of mother tongue, cognitive issues, linguistic issues, lack of resource and crowded classes (Mueen, 1992).

Statement of the Problem

Keeping in view the deprivation faced by students in government schools, government of Pakistan made a decision that English should be taught as a compulsory subject at the primary school level.

The present study aims to explore the problems in teaching of English language at the primary level in the District of Kohat, in the North-West Frontier Province, Pakistan.

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