Exploring Opportunities of Authentic Engagement in the English Classrooms

Nidhi Kunwar

Assistant Professor, Department of Elementary Education, Mata Sundari College for Women, University of Delhi, Delhi.

Keywords: Authentic student engagement, ESL classrooms, classroom observation


Abstract

English language teaching in Indian classrooms seems to be a tedious task.  Though children express great motivation and interest in learning the English language, their proficiency in this language is not up to expected standards. The present article focuses on the real classroom context and analyzes a routine classroom discourse. It highlights how English is taught as a subject in classrooms. Further, taking examples of two exemplary English classrooms, the nature of pedagogical approach is discussed and analyzed. Focusing on the active role of students and the constructive vision of the teacher, the article highlights the need for creating opportunities for students’ authentic engagement with the language.


References

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Position paper of National Focus Group on Teaching of English. (2006). New Delhi: NCERT.