Aims and objectives of English language teaching

July 18, 2019

Introduction

" The study of language is the foundation of all other learning. Language defines us as human. To be human is to use language and to talk is to be a person". Language is a medium of communication. English is a powerful vehicle of communication serves as a link language in a multicultural and multilingual society like India and also as a global linguistic mediator. Prof. Jacob Tharu says "English is no longer some remote but a powerful mystery, lying hidden in the world of textbooks in examination".

Aims of English language teaching in India

In India now English exist as a second language and the aim of teaching English in India is to help students to acquire practical command on English. "Thomson and Wyatt said that Indian students should not only understand English when it is spoken or written but also should be able to speak and write it".

Thomson and Wyatt has told the four specific aims of teaching English. They are-

1. To understand spoken English.

2. To speak English.

3. To understand written English.

4. To write English.

Competence can be achieved if we give opportunities to our students to listen English news, conversation, etc. Recognition vocabulary of students should be increased to enable them read English with comprehension. The ability to speak English enables the students to communicate easily with the people around the world. Thus all the four aims are equally important.

1. To enhance vocabulary

Sound vocabulary enables the learners to communicate effectively and appropriately in real life situation. With sound structured vocabulary, English can be used effectively for study purpose across the curriculum. Good vocabulary also develop interest in appreciation of literature.

2. Motivate the students

While teaching English students should be motivated by creating awareness about the importance of English language in different aspects of life. Students should be taught that English language is a window to the world. It is the bridge through which they could travel everywhere in the world. With the help of it they can explore immense world of knowledge.

3. Proper grammatical structure

The teacher should always emphasizes on teaching students with proper grammatical structures. This will help the students to write compositions correctly using appropriate pronunciation mark and capital letters.

4. Provide linguistic competence
In the world today - so closely linked as a result of globalisation - the presence of the English language has spilled over into virtually all aspects of everyday life. Consequently, it is essential for the teachers to highlight why English is such a valuable asset of all who use their unique language.

5. Imagination and creativity
The teachers can enable students to express themselves creatively and imaginatively. Proper use of language can increase students ability to use planning, drafting and editing to improve their work.

6. Use of internet
Teachers should create awareness amongst students that there are many English speaking apps, dictionaries, videos, audios, etc. which they can use from internet. Learning English will help them to use these facilities easily.

Objectives of English language teaching

An objective is a desired goal that is trying to be accomplished. Dr. S. R. Bloom has defined educational objective as, " the desired goal or outcome at which instruction is aimed". For example, if a teacher wants his students to improve speaking skill, the teacher will have to try his outmost level for speaking skill. After all, the teacher has to follow all his tactics for the improvement of a students. So the desired goal of improving speaking skill would be the objective of speaking.

The objectives of a topic in English help in realising some general objectives of teaching English. They are-

1. To be able to speak English fluently and accurately.

2. To think in English and then speak.

3. To be able to compose freely and independently in speech and writing.

4. To be able to read books with understanding.

5. To acquire a vocabulary of 2500 words.

6. Ability to use reference material such as Encyclopaedia, dictionary, etc.

7. To be able to talk in English.

A. The objective of teaching English has two main aspects:

1. Language aspect: Words, sentences, pronunciation, spelling and grammar.

2. Literature aspect: Words, sentences, expressing ideas, feelings and experiences.

These two objectives differ from each other as far as the class and age of students is concerned.

The Other four fold objectives are-

1. Semantic-related to understanding.

2. Phonetic- deals with the sound spelling and pronunciation.

3.Graphic- related to writing.

4. Phonetic-cum-graphic- dealing with reading.

B. The following abilities can be developed by these four folded objectives:

1. To understand spoken English.

2. Ability to speak English.

3. Ability to read English.

4. Ability to write English.

Of these the 1st and 2nd objective concerned to passive command over the language and the objectives 3rd and 4th related to active command over the language. Thomson and Wyatt has said, "Reading will render later progress in speech and writing, the ultimate use of language becomes more accurate."

C. The English teaching also has two objectives:

I. Skill objectives include:

To develop the skill of speaking,
To develop the skill of reading,
To develop the skill of writing,
To develop the skill of listening,
To enable the students for the use of grammar correctly,

To enable the students to analyse the element of language and stablished appropriate relationship among linguistic components.

II. Cognitive objectives include:

To acquire knowledge,
to diagnose the weakness of speaking and writing English,
To compare and illustrate linguistic components,
To classify the elements of English language,
To understand the meaning of prose, poetry, story and drama by reading.

Conclusion

Most of all, we should realize that delicacy of learning the language and should put in much endeavour to master it for a better future and a better tomorrow. Self practice can make language learning quicker. That practice with interest and motivation is an independent exercise and has no substitute. In order to teach English correctly and properly English teacher must know the aims and objectives of teaching English.