Raising English language proficiency in schools

Participating teachers learn innovative teaching methods during a training session.

FROM 2012 to 2017, GAB Foundation has invested close to RM5mil in the English Enrichment Training Programme (EETP), benefitting 465 teachers from 286 schools across seven states.

To date, the supplementary English classes have improved verbal and written proficiency of the English language of over 7,400 pupils nationwide.

The EETP aims to help teachers enhance their English language teaching skills. The programme provides interactive methodologies that help improve students’ interest during English lessons.

Participating teachers attend a four-day intensive training programme, led by early childhood education and English language experts, and are encouraged to apply their knowledge in supplementary English classes with their pupils over 20 weeks.

The teachers are supported by experienced mentors located in Kedah, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Malacca, Johor, Sabah and Sarawak throughout the seven-month programme.

The sixth and most recent EETP concluded on Sept 28, effectively reaching out to 65 teachers from 56 schools in seven states. The programme benefited more than 1,400 pupils including those from SJK (T) Ladang Senama in Negeri Sembilan.

SJK (T) Ladang Senama participating teacher Dhanalechmy Krishnan, who has been teaching English for 15 years at the school, commented, “I am glad to have participated in the programme as it taught me more engaging teaching methods such as dramatisation, reader’s theatre and games. These methods not only help to improve students’ English proficiency, but also boost their overall confidence.”

“Pupils enjoy attending these classes – they try their best not to miss it. Parents are also very supportive,” she added.

The school’s headmistress Sakinah Abdullah is delighted that pupils are very positive.

“The English Language exam results for UPSR has improved. The pupils here do not have the opportunity to go for tuition and this programme really encourages them.

“I want pupils to be able to communicate in English. I don’t want them to feel inferior. With knowledge and language, they can build a better life and hopefully be somebody in the future,” she said.

Foo Soon Ching, parent to an EETP participating student at SJK(T) Ladang Senama, is pleased at the positive impact EETP has had on her daughter.

“Over the past few months, I have observed her enthusiasm for the language grow and she is now more confident when speaking, reading and writing in English,” added Foo.

EETP lead trainer Amy Bala said, “Over the past six years, EETP has significantly contributed to raising English proficiency, particularly at the underprivileged schools. As an example, SJK (T) Ladang Senama’s pre- and post-test results recorded improvement in the areas of listening by 23%, reading and understanding by 20% and writing by 20%.

“Moreover, this year’s EETP has successfully laid the foundation for better command of the language by instilling greater enthusiasm for English amongst the students.”

“We believe that the right environment and appropriate teaching methods are keys for teachers to cultivate learning interest among students. Therefore, we work together with our mentors and teachers to create a learning atmosphere that is engaging, interactive and inclusive,” she added.