English Language Teaching (ELT) in Sri Lanka

Abstract

It is a widely held perception that English Language Teaching (ELT) in Sri Lanka is a failure. Although several implementations were made in recent years to remedy the issues pertaining to English language teaching and learning, achieving the expected objectives was a failure. Teachers of English being the most important stakeholders in English language teaching, their contribution to these failures are significant. Out of several reasons it is apparent that teachers’ skills, professional knowledge, perceptions and pedagogic practice all contribute to the failure in ELT. Therefore, it is of vital importance that teachers should be equipped with innovative pedagogic skills deviating from traditional in – service training programs. An independent method which undoubtedly contributes to the improvement of teaching, and professional development is carrying out ‘research’, where teachers experiment and reflect on the problem, reason and solutions. Hence, this study examines to which extent teachers are aware and exposed to research, which teachers can apply in their working contexts. A variety of research instruments was used for data collection with final year undergraduates of the Bachelor of Education in ELT degree of the University of Vocational Technology, possessing several years of English language teaching experience. The results of the study revealed that majority of teachers were not aware and exposed to any research related to ELT during their career. They often reacted negatively to the suggestion that they can use teacher research to support their professional development. However, with the completion of a mini research, students emphasized that, research help them to develop professionally and academically, enabling them to reflect upon their own teaching, creating a positive attitude and encouraging them to experiment new ideas in teaching. Therefore, motivating teachers to engage in research would make teaching an evidence-based profession making English language teaching and learning in Sri Lanka a success.