Journal of English Language Teaching

Octamoda: An Integrated Online Education Approach to English Language Teaching

Dr. Jeyashree K

Head, Department of English, Anna Adarsh Matric Hr. Sec. School, Anna Nagar, Chennai, India.

Dr. Mary Vidya Porselvi

Assistant Professor, Department of English, Loyola College, Chennai, India.

Keywords: Online Teaching, Comprehension, Contextualization, Composition, Communication, Planned Interaction

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Abstract

This paper assimilates the protocol of ‘distanced learning through networking’ as different from the Distance Education in the annals of Higher Education. The prevailing pandemic has greatly impacted the teaching-learning methods, mandating teachers towards a quick and effective delivery in virtual classrooms, in order to prevent time lapse at all levels of education. This article throws light on the specifications of a virtual language classroom in extending the needed thrust towards communication at varied levels in the English classroom. The paper outlines a unique eight-dimensional approach named Octamoda, which includes the teaching of LSRW skills that in turn rely on the C4 sub-skills, namely comprehension, contextualisation, composition, and communication that form the matrix for effective language learning and teaching in the online mode. Considerable emphasis is laid on the necessity of a credible language learning ambience that would instill fluency and ease in comprehending and communicating as students pursue higher and advanced education, and promote self-learning thereafter. A few suggestions on grading, evaluation, and setting aims and objectives of English language teaching, keeping things relevant towards a student-centred approach, have also been discussed.

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