World English is broadly categorised into three varieties: English as a Native Language (ENL), English as a Second Language (ESL) and English as a Foreign Language (EFL). India is considered as an ESL territory.
Vasco da Gama’s discovery of the sea route to India also paved way for the introduction to English language. The English spoken in India tends to be more British English than American English language but in many cases it is its own style. Even before the independence, English language in India started getting its prominence. The socio- historical stage for the introduction to English language in education was set by the end of the 18th century.English language training at that time was based on literature and grammar and the means of studies was the grammar-translation method and not the social English. Social English is the language of everyday communication in oral and written forms.
Uses of English language is much beyond our expectations.English language continues to be the tool for professional success. Listening practice and English language activities are not evaluated although practiced during the classes. This has been a drawback in educational institutes till now. Realising this problem and the uses of English language, the system is gradually being transformed by K-12 digital content service providers. Listening practice (listening English conversation), English language communication skills are now given high priority by the intervention of K-12 digital content service providers. Introduction of language lab in school is done to improve English language of students
Recognising the need of English for professional success, many English language training centres are also being established across the country. They devised many methods to improve English language communication skills, propagate English language activities, familiarise American English language. Listening practice (listening English conversation) is also being given importance so that it can play a key role to improve English language and learn English vocabulary.
Many English language tutorials and language learning software came into existence. While the language learning software is being very efficient to learn English vocabulary, English listening exercises, English language tutorial is being important for many things like English language practice, English listening exercises, English language phrases and for overall English language development.
Ultimately, all these institutions and the idea of language lab in school are leading to language acquisition which can be the major contribution for a good relationship of Indians with the rest of the world.
This course provided sufficient amount of information on tools, strategies, assessments, theories, evaluations which is very relevant in learning ways on how to teach online.
The topics discussed in this course is very helpful and very practical. Personally, it makes me think more about what a great teacher should do in order to prepare our teachings. Thank you, UNSW.