Effectiveness of Resident English Camps in Enhancing English Oral Competency : A Case of Selected Camps in Kandy, Nittambuwa and Kurunegala

Abstract

Resident English camps have acquired wide spread popularity at present owing to their controversial challenge that they are capable of originating an orally competent individual within their short course period of a one month or two months. Thus, the study was focused on discovering whether the Resident English Camps are truly able to achieve their pledged apex. In this respect, the study of the methods and approaches used in the language learning and teaching process became the fundamental objective. In accumulating data for the study, 30 students and 4 instructors from three leading Resident English Camps located in three geographical areas, Kandy, Nittambuwa and Kurunegala were used. The primary data collection sources such as Interview method, Questionnaire method and Observation method and the secondary data collection sources including books, journals, internet, abstracts, and magazines were effectively utilized so as to accumulate data for the study. Through the data analysis, the researcher could discover that the Resident English Camps provide a greater contribution in enhancing the oral competence of its participants with the use of numerous, innovative task-based activities especially designed to increase oral production. Furthermore, they attempt to inculcate the knowledge of grammar to develop the accuracy of the discourse. The grammar inculcation followed by the constant and intensive oral practice that they receive at the camps has contributed to make them use the language confidently for communicative purposes