Teaching of English

(EDU516)
Assignment # 1 (Fall 2019)

Virtual university of Pakistan

Question no 1: Write down in details at least four major problems/issues that the teachers are
facing while teaching English in the classroom. (at least 200 words). 20 Marks

While teaching English in class rooms, most of the teachers face the following issues, Although
these problems are interlinked with each other, they are described separately as:

 Wrong priorities

It is a common observation, that the administration of the educational institutions have the
top most priority of completing “syllabus” by hook or by crook. Eventually, most of the
teachers try to cover their syllabus most of the times compromising the quality of their
teachings. As a matter of fact, teachers are compelled to use notes and guides rather than
using their own creative notes and lectures.

 Lack of Appropriate translation into local languages

Most of the times, since speaking English language involves the use of relatively sophisticated
vocabulary. And the students are supposed to understand the theme of what is spoken in front of
them. Most words cannot be appropriately translated into local languages instantly. For instance,
most of the English words are used frequently even in other languages. However, when we are
supposed to translate those words, we are unable to translate it into the local languages instantly.

 Inability of students to comprehend English because of very weak background.

While speaking English language in the class, it is a general assumption that the audience
students would have a slight background of the language. For instance, if a teacher wants to
speak in English in class 9th and class 10th, it is generally assumed that the students would be at
least able to get a theme of what is spoken in front of them. However, these students are quite
weak in even basic domains of a language like listening, reading, writing and speaking to
comprehend the spoken English language.

 Lack of confidence
As most of the teachers are locally educated or trained so they have no or less exposure.
Therefore, they are not very confident while speaking English language. These teachers are also
afraid to speak in English publicly because they fear of committing mistakes or to be laughed at.

 Limited time

Teachers are given a very limited time to complete the prescribed syllabus. If the teacher starts
speaking in English and delivering lecture in English, he/she has to translate his/her own words
into the language. Which surely not possible due to the given time slot.