A new methodology for the teaching and learning of the English language has been launched in Accra by the International English Language Teaching Commission. The commission seeks to replace the present methodology which it considers cumbersome and full of technicalities.
The Director General of the Commission, Charles Kofi Acquah-Aikins attributed the falling standards in the English language and education in general to the inability of students to express themselves in simple English and understand examination questions posed.
He said teachers’ inability to instruct properly in the language makes the situation even more alarming. Mr Aikins was equally concerned about the bad use of English in text messaging which he said has a telling effect on students. He called for a serious approach to look into reversing the falling standards of the language, and pledged to work in partnership with government to improve its usage in schools.
A former diplomat and educationist, Dr K. B. Asante, said educating children is the collective responsibility of parents, the community and government and urged parents to be interested in their wards education. He said while it is important to develop the country’s local languages it should not be done at the expense of the English language which is Ghana’s official language.
