Objective of Teaching English in India
Objectives of Teaching English: The objectives of teaching English Man students, according to Thompson and Wyatt, are that Indian pupils should not only understand English When it is spoken or written, but they should himself be able to speak and write it.
There are four objectives Of teaching English in Schools:
(1) The students should be able to understand the spoken language.
(2) They should be able to understand what they read.
(3) They should be able to speak the language correctly with proper pronunciation.
(4) They should be able to write it correctly.
In short, to understand spoken and written English, and to speak and write it are the objectives of teaching English in our schools: With these aims in view, the task of an English teacher is to train the hearing, reading speaking and writing abilities of his pupils. This is the linguistic aim of teaching English:
Objectives of teaching English at the Junior High School Level: The Junior level is the lower secondary level, consisting of classes V, VI, VII and VIII. During this level, the chief aim of English is language development why it should be so? The answer is hidden in the words of Thompson and Wyatt', "To aim at literature is to miss the way to language. Aim at language is to pave the way to literature."
1. With speaking English fluently, they should also be trained in understanding, spoken "English. For this ear training is needed.
2. Adequate vocabulary is very important at the initial stage. This will help him to use the language properly and effectively.
3. The first objective at the junior stage should be to enable the student to make simple sentences. For this purpose, the teacher should teach the basic structures of the English language during the first three years of teaching.
4. The students should be able to write English correctly using proper punctuation and capitals. He should write spelling correctly.
5. Speaking is the most important and basic skill of language. So the student at this level should be able to speak English with a standard pronunciation which is accepted by all speakers of the English language.
6. He should be able to respond correctly to short questions and be able to ask questions himself.
7. The next objective is to help the student to read the given material without any difficulty.
Objectives of Teaching English at the Secondary Level
1. To understand English when spoken, His standard of speech should approximate the native speaker's so that if a native speaker speaks English which; is not above his level, he should be able to understand it.
2. To write English eligible and coherently using proper punctuation and capitals, where necessary and correct spelling.
3. To use English when he has to respond to calls, requests, greetings, etc. when he does the same to others.
4. To acquire reading ability and read the material that is appropriate for this level.
5. To acquire a vocabulary, which though limited, is enough to help him in the use of the language that he makes.
6. To make simple statements in English, He should be able to frame short, simple sentences too. express himself through speech and writing.
7. To speak with a pronunciation that is acceptable, He should acquire a command over the phonemes of the language and speak English, with proper stress and intonation.
8. To have his aim fixed on conversational English as it is used in speech. Our purpose, in the beginning, should be to help the student acquire a command over spoken forms, colloquial or conversational English rather than text-book English.
The objective of Teaching English at Higher Secondary Level
1. They should acquire a vocabulary of 2500 words approximately and that should include frequent and choicest English phrases and idioms.
2. They should be able to use reference material, viz,, Encyclopaedia, Dictioriariel Terence Books, etc. when they stand in need thereof.
3. They should be able to talk in English and express their ideas in English in the classroom at school, at home and in society. They should be able to respond and react to situations actively and not remain only passive listeners.
4. They should acquire the ability to understand the native speakers and also be able to respond to them.
5. Students at the end of the secondary stage should be able to speak English fluently and accurately. Fluency implies the acquisition of a reasonable standard in speech habits which means speaking with an acceptable pronunciation and intonation.
6. They should be able to compose freely. They should think in English and speak it with ease and frequently.
7. They should be able to compose freely and independently in speech and writing.
8. They should be able to read books with understanding. They should also be able to read newspapers and periodicals
9. They respond to short conversational questions and ask questions themselves.