Listening, reading, writing, and speaking are the core skills to master the English language. Beyond the mode of communication, it’s a gateway to shape your academic future. Learning the English language will nurture critical thinking and cultural appreciation. Whether you are an educator who wishes to unlock the student’s potential or a parent who is eager to support their child’s academic journey - this article is meant for you. As we go further, we will share why English is essential for Indian students and how you can boost their performance.
Why is English Important for Indian Students?
If you are an Indian student, English is not going to be your mother tongue. Mastering the language opens doors to numerous opportunities, making it a vital skill in today's globalized world.
Higher Education
Proficiency in English is essential for Indian students who are aiming for higher education in prestigious institutions in India or abroad. Many advanced textbooks, research papers, and academic resources are available primarily in English, facilitating a deeper understanding of various subjects.
Employment Opportunities
Another advantage of learning English is that it enhances employability in the job market. MNCs and top-tier domestic firms often seek candidates who are fluent in English to interact effectively with international clients and colleagues.
Cultural Exchange and Diversity
Learning English allows Indian students to engage with diverse cultures and ideas through literature, media, and communication. This fosters a broader worldview and promotes cultural understanding and tolerance.
Personal Development
Fluency in English boosts self-confidence and self-expression. It enables students to access a wealth of information, participate in global discussions, and cultivate a more informed personality.
Technological Advancement
With the majority of technological content and software instructions in English, it helps Indian students stay aware of the latest technological trends and innovations.
Ways to Improve Students' Performance in English
1. Encourage Students to Speak in English in and out of the classroom
As much as listening and reading is vital to get a command of the language. It’s crucial to interact in English and harness your speaking skills. There are various English speaking techniques like communicating only in English with friends. You can also record and talk to yourself in the mirror. Initially, it might feel awkward, but you will be able to pinpoint the mistakes you made while speaking.
2. Suggest English storybooks
Reading English storybooks is a great way to enhance your English reading skills. You get to understand the plot, pick the informal words to know about their meaning, and then use them for your writing.
3. Provide vocabulary to practice daily
Get yourself a dictionary to understand new words. You can start by making a list of valid words and phrases. Every time you hear an unfamiliar word, note it down in your notebook or computer. Check out its synonyms and understand its meaning to use accurately in the sentence.
4. Conduct regular English test
Conduct regular English tests so that students can write better in English. The more they read new words and phrases, the better it would be to put them in the form of a sentence. It also empowers their imagination thinking skills.
5. Encourage students to participate in Extracurricular Activities
Participating in extracurricular activities can be overwhelming. But once the students are confident then it will push them to participate. These activities could include English clubs, drama, or debate teams, which will be only performed in the English language.
6. Present English Videos in the classroom to enhance listening skills
The best way to improve listening skills is by presenting English videos in the classrooms. Initially, students will require subtitles to understand what the speaker is conveying. Once they are comfortable enough to catch up with the words, subtitles will not be necessary. Additionally, suggest they watch English TV shows, news, radio and even songs to comprehend the meaning.
7. Encourage students to play word games
Last but not least, encourage students to play word games like Scrabble, Wordle, and Crossword puzzles. This will help them in learning new words, their meanings and where you can use these words in the form of sentences.
Conclusion
PRACTICE. PRACTICE. PRACTICE. That’s the best way to master English. Try coming up with a new word every day and employ it in daily usage as often as possible. Remember, the goal is not to excel academically but to appreciate the beauty of language. Whether through interactive activities, shows, or reading - each step brings students closer to mastering English.
---