Current Issues in English Language Teaching

Introduction English language plays a vital role in the world and its mastery is absolutely crucial for the youth of a developing nation such as Malaysia. Teaching of English as second language has been emphasized by the Ministry of Education through the introduction of many policies. However, English teacher such as myself still faces many challenges and problems in our teaching career. I have done some research on the current issues faced by English teacher primarily in Malaysia. These articles or publications are mainly from thesis done by our local doctoral students. I believe articles from our local institutions would provide a better picture into the problems faced by local English teachers. In addition, I have also found some articles from international studies to find out the general problems encountered by many English teachers across the globe. Besides that, I have a survey carried out on the perception of students toward the current English teaching. This article really help us to understand the issues faced by the students. I have attached extract of the articles below for further reference.

1. Exploring English Language Learning And Teaching In Malaysia GEMA Online Journal of Language Studies Volume 12(1) Special Edition, January 2012. Normazidah Che Musa, Koo Yew Lie, Hazita Azman

2. English Language Teaching In Primary Schools: Policy And Implementation Concerns. Dr. Mohd Sofi Ali International Languages Teacher Training Institute Lembah Pantai, Kuala Lumpur. IPBA E-JOURNAL 2003

3. English Language Teaching And Learning Issues In Malaysia: Learners Perceptions Via Facebook Dialogue Journal. Wendy Hiew, Centre for the Promotion of Knowledge and Language Learning, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Malaysia. 1st January 2012

Summary Most of the articles above had mentioned lack of focus of communicative skill in English language teaching as the primary issue among English teachers. Besides that, students also have rather weak grammatical foundation. In addition, many students find traditional classroom style too boring and lack interactivity with the students. Lastly,

there is a mismatched between what is needed in the modern world and the lessons that have been carried out in the classroom. My research has shown that teachers should use a student centered approach when carrying out the lesson. For instance, application of game to teach vocabulary will increase the interest of the students. Bibliography 1. Normazidah Che Musa, Khoo Yiew Lee, Hazita Azman (2012). Exploring English Language Learning And Teaching In Malaysia. GEMA Online Journal of Language Studies Volume 12(1), Special Section, January 2012

2. Dr. Mohd Sofi Ali (2003). English Language Teaching In Primary Schools: Policy And Implementation Concerns. International Languages Teacher Training Institute Lembah Pantai, Kuala Lumpur.

3. Wendy Hiew (2012). English Language Teaching And Learning Issues In Malaysia: Learners Perceptions Via Facebook Dialogue Journal. Centre for the Promotion of Knowledge and Language Learning, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Malaysia

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