Mind your language: transforming English language skills in Pakistan

There is no denying that English is the language of science and technology, knowledge sharing, as well as business development in majority of the world. In the higher education sector of Pakistan however, despite it being used as the medium of instruction, teachers and students still face difficulties in expressing themselves in English. This skill gap compels teachers to translate lessons in other languages, and leads students to memorise the lecture instead of understanding it.

To address this communication divide and incorporate cutting edge approaches in the concept of language teaching, the British Council in partnership with the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan launched ‘Transforming English Language Skills’ [TELS] programme.

 A comprehensive Needs Analysis report by the Open University, UK, suggested that 82% students agreed to study extra courses in the final year of their graduation to improve their English language skills. Further, all Subject lecturers and 91% of English Lecturers agreed that they need professional development that would help them teach effectively through the medium of English.

Based on the recommendations of the Needs Analysis report for module content, local authors were hired to write modules for students as well as teachers. The modules developed under this programme include: English for Academic Purposes [Module for first year students], English for Employment [Module for final year students], Professional Development Module [Teacher Module] and Master Trainer Module.

This programme will initially be piloted in 12 universities from across Pakistan, covering over 10,000 students and 500 plus teachers. Master Trainers from these 12 universities are taking part in the Master Trainer workshop from 10-14 September 2012. Addressing at opening session of the Master Trainer group, Peter Upton, Director British Council Pakistan highlighted the role of English in a globalised world where 85% of the academic research work is in English. Mr. Upton also commented on the strong relationship that exists between the British Council and the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan.

Dr. Sohail Naqvi, Executive Director of Higher Education Commission of Pakistan said, “this is a national initiative, benefiting all universities and post graduate colleges in Pakistan. This programme will improve the English language skills of students and teachers across Pakistan”.

After the initial pilot, the programme will be rolled out to all public and private Universities, post-graduate colleges and open universities of Pakistan in a phased approach covering 1.8 million students, and 15,000 teachers.