A country-wide survey was conducted to analyse effectiveness of diploma in TEFL (Teaching of English as a Foreign Language) offered by the Department of English Language and Applied Linguistics of Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU).
Students were asked about course content and organisation, student contribution, learning environment and teaching methods, learning resources, quality of delivery, assessment, instructor/teaching assistant evaluation, tutorials, practical/workshops, said a press release here on Friday.
The department of English and Applied Linguistics was established with the inception of AIOU in 1974. It offers courses in English language at different levels and a two-year Master's programme in TEFL, the press release added. The aim of the programme is to create awareness in the students about approaches, techniques and methods involving the learning and teaching of English in the classroom. It carries 10 AIOU credits/60 credit hours.
Students are required to attend tutorials, submit assignments, make presentation of projects and attend face-to-face workshops. The Department also offers a one-year Post-Graduate Diploma in TEFL through open distance learning system. The students acknowledged the significance of the diploma in TEFL in developing their personal and professional skills as English language teachers.
They were satisfied that the objectives of the course were fully achieved, and also commented that the contents of curriculum were advanced and met programme objectives. They appreciated the course contents, presentation of the study material, tutorials and assessment system, and acknowledged the role of the tutors who not only taught them the courses but also encouraged them to use the latest teaching techniques in their classroom.
They mentioned that the programme administration was effective in supporting learning. They appreciated the new scheme of studies introduced by the department in 2005, in which tutorials, assignments' presentations and workshops were made compulsory. A teacher's analytical and problem-solving skills are very important in an effective teaching/learning environment. Also the respondents' feedback reflects successfulness of the programme in terms of disseminating information regarding teachers analytical and classrooms management skills.
The TEFL was successful in developing independent thinking of the students as well. All courses in diploma in TEFL programme have been designed to create a culture of student-centred teaching-learning environment. It also envisages an atmosphere of independent learning leading to student's autonomy. The diploma in TEFL also helped the students to incorporate ethical values in their teaching.
On the one hand students appreciated the programme; on the other they mentioned their problems as well. They suggested that there should be more co-curricular and extra-curricular activities. They also asked for provision of scholarships/grants available to students in case of hardship.
Another important area identified by the students was provision of library facilities to the students who are studying at distance. They suggested that the AIOU should issue identity cards to the students to consult libraries and resource centres of different universities/organisations.
Comments
Comments are closed.