2nd International Conference of the Linguistic Association of Pakistan October 18-20, 2016 Institute of Languages University of the Punjab, Lahore

ENGLISH AS MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION AT PRIMARY LEVEL IN PUNJAB By dr ENGLISH AS MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION AT PRIMARY LEVEL IN PUNJAB By dr.khuda bakhsh Professor Gc university, faisalabad

Abstract The study was designed to explore how well teaching of Mathematics and General Science in English is effective at primary level in Punjab. A sample of five thousands Primary School Teachers PST participated in the study. The researcher developed a questionnaire for the teachers to seek their perceptions about EMI in the teaching of Mathematics and general science to primary classes. The collected data was entered into SPSS and the results were found using descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that teaching of Math and General Science to primary students in English is highly potent and effective.

Introduction Pakistan is a multilingual country with different languages and dialects. Languages are used as the media of instruction in schools and English is one of them. English has been accorded the status of associate official language at the national level. English as a language has been in this subcontinent for more than a century. But even now, very few can speak English. But in spite of English not being spoken by many people, it has become a major link language at national and international levels and is a commonly used language in offices, business, industry, preparation of professionals like Doctors and Engineers and in research particularly in the fields of science and technology; and so English as Medium of Instruction (EMI) has acquired importance in the education system of our country.

Of course we can easily refer to the current position of English as a global language and its dominant application. After Independence our government adopted the policy of discontinuing teaching of English in primary classes. As English has become a major language to be used in scientific research, Information Technology and commerce sectors. There has been a significant change in public opinion in favor of English in the recent years resulting in revival of teaching of English as a language at the primary level.  

The demand for English medium schools displays politely ‘English as Medium of Instruction’ in meaningful contexts. However, in these schools, other regional languages are also used by accepting the multi-lingual approach. There is a growing belief that learning an academic subject through EMI will enhance or facilitate the learning of that subject by the home students. The argument is put forward with particular emphasis in the sciences where it is claimed that the majority of important and influential research is published through the medium of English. Thus if the students are reading large quantities of material in English for their course then the oral input and interaction in the classroom should be in English. Parallel to these lines, it seems imperative to see the effectiveness of EMI as perceived by our Primary School Teachers.

Research Methodology A sample of five thousands Primary School Teachers PSTs participated in the study. The researcher developed a questionnaire for the teachers to seek their perceptions about English as Medium of Instruction EMI for primary classes. The collected data was entered into SPSS and the results were found using descriptive statistics.

Results Perceptions of PSTs regarding English as Medium of Instruction EMI to primary classes It shows that majority of the teachers support English as Medium of Instruction EMI at primary level in Punjab. Strongly Agee Agree Strongly Disagree Disagree 65 % 11 % 14 % 10 %

Conclusions & Recommendations Taken together the results of study, following conclusions/ recommendations were made: All of the subjects (excluding Urdu & Islamiyat) must be taught in English. Being the second language here in Pakistan , the teachers, print and electronic media should display certain contents/ programs to develop the interest of the students so they find English (reading, writing, speaking) too easy and joyful.

Minimum quality standards should be developed for schools that provide English medium instruction. There is a strong case, too, for including English testing in the recruitment process for teachers. Schools should be monitored over the long-term to ensure that improvements are maintained and built upon.

Curricula and textbooks should be valuated with a view to updating the contents more relevant to student needs and thematic interests. Shifting the focus towards practical speaking and listening activities will leave students better-equipped to use English in their daily lives. Academic Writing Skills having focused on grammar & composition must be incorporated in the text books with potent exercises in an attractive way so the students feel at ease in English composing & comprehension.

Thank You