THE Importance of English Nowadays

[Harry Smith]

I think English is becoming more and more important today. That's why before starting teaching we must tell them about it. I mean not only in words but also in practice.

[Tdol]

I think it's a good idea to explain why people are learning something.

[Kanaga Raj]

You're right sir.I'll join again.In India, the imprtance of learning English language for getting a good jo in multinational companies has been understood by the youngsters, and that is good.

[Harry Smith]

Teaching English is very easy. It's rather difficult to explain the students how important it is to know English nowadays. I have met a lot of people who learn English but they don't seem to know it until they realise its importance.

[Harry Smith]

It's very important to prepare for the first lesson thoroughly because the further success depends on it. The first impression is the most lasting. When the students realise the importance of English they just learn it with pleasure. In this case teachers have no problem and they also teach with pleasure.

[Sunflower34]

Yes, I quite agree with you. English is, no doubt, a very important language, for it is an international means of communication. The problem is that, as things are nowadays, here in Portugal, students don't seem to realise its real importance, because they don't need it! They don't like to speak in English... They aren't interested in learning it... and we, teachers are having some difficulties in showing them the real importance of learning it!
I take "realia" to the classroom, show them videos, pictures, etc, but they don't care... they don't see the importance of this language! On the other hand, the schools haven't the good technological material to motivate them!And... however... how I love English!!!
If you have any suggestions... please feel free to let me know and I would be very grateful to you!

[Harry Smith]

Originally Posted by Sunflower34

Yes, I quite agree with you. English is, no doubt, a very important language, for it is an international means of communication. The problem is that, as things are nowadays, here in Portugal, students don't seem to realise its real importance, because they don't need it! They don't like to speak in English... They aren't interested in learning it... and we, teachers are having some difficulties in showing them the real importance of learning it!
I take "realia" to the classroom, show them videos, pictures, etc, but they don't care... they don't see the importance of this language! On the other hand, the schools haven't the good technological material to motivate them!And... however... how I love English!!!
If you have any suggestions... please feel free to let me know and I would be very grateful to you!

Why not tell them a real story about Portugese football team saying that most players speak English fluently and with the help of English they are very successful in life.
Or maybe tell them if they want to make new friends in different countries they will need English. Laast of all the enternet is mainly English. If they want to surf the net they can't do it without knowing English.

[Sunflower34]

Hi, Harry!

Nice of you to give me such good advice but the problem is that they don't like studying... they reject everything that involves some kind of effort... and even English that is very easy, interesting and also very important they despise!! Of course we tell and show them how important the English language is nowadays (and they know it...) but as it involves learning, studying... they say they don't like it! Even with songs, magazines, the internet... it's very difficult to make them like English.
I think the problem of our educational system is that students are used to pass the year and progress at school without studying at all, without much effort... and I think that learning is good, important but it also involves some mental efforts... And while students don't see schools as a place of learning and not only playing, they can't understand the importance of that!
What's your opinion?

[Lenka]

I am a student :). I love English and learning any other languages. I don't understand my class-mates who say they hate it, but it's their opinion and I can't change it, anyway. On the other hand, I hate Chemistry, for instance .

Would you like to motivate younger or rather older children? When I was little, my first English teacher (it was in the 4th class... a long time ago!) used to give us stickers if we were good in something. It was nice... I liked competing with others!

I think there are hundreds of ways how to make the students learn and prepare for the lessons! My recent motivation is "university". I do my best (and learn really a lot) to be prepared for the entrance exams...

Communication with other people (in English) - that's the biggest motivation at all, I think.

[Harry Smith]

Originally Posted by Sunflower34

Hi, Harry!

Nice of you to give me such good advice but the problem is that they don't like studying... they reject everything that involves some kind of effort... and even English that is very easy, interesting and also very important they despise!! Of course we tell and show them how important the English language is nowadays (and they know it...) but as it involves learning, studying... they say they don't like it! Even with songs, magazines, the internet... it's very difficult to make them like English.
I think the problem of our educational system is that students are used to pass the year and progress at school without studying at all, without much effort... and I think that learning is good, important but it also involves some mental efforts... And while students don't see schools as a place of learning and not only playing, they can't understand the importance of that!
What's your opinion?

I can't say that I don't believe you. But I read in your posts very often that educational system is in the process of reformation and the students don't want to learn English. I don't agree with you on the second point, i.e they don't want to learn. Why? Because I have been teaching Endlish since 1977 and whenever I had problems in teaching It was my fault. I wasn't experienced enough. Now it seems to me that Students everywhere are the same. Why in a small country Armenia everybody tries to learn English and in Portugal nobody wants?. Maybe you should change your mind and say that all the students in Portugal are eager to know English and start teaching them.