English is an international language which is spoken all over the world. It is the official language of UNO as well. Most of the world’s important volumes are written in English.
English is also used as a contact language among the speakers of other language. Needless to say, English is like a window through which we can peep the vast world. In Nepalese context, it is compulsorily taught from grade one to higher levels.
Moreover, it is the medium of instruction is higher studies. Hence, one has to learn English to live an academically and socially successfully life. To put it another way, we the citizens of 21st century will be unable to turn our future dreams into reality in the absence of English. So, we need to be acquainted with the knowledge of English language, no matter where we smell, what occupation we follow, what religion we follow, which age we are rendering through, which language we speak as a mother tongue, etc.
In Nepal, there are generals two types of schools, viz. community schools (public schools) and private schools. Private schools are practicing English as a medium of instruction but it is not the case in community schools. But, nowadays, most of the public schools are trying to run their classes in English medium as well which is the result of boarding school influence and public craze for English.
As most of the public schools are running English medium classes at lower levels, the scenario of English language in those schools as a whole is horrible at present. Students are not ardent to learn and speak English and teachers are compelled to teach English in Nepali language even at secondary level which is due to poor English background of the pupils. As a result, very few students can only communicate in English in such schools. Though most of the English teachers in public schools are highly efficient, they are unable to create English environment behind which there are a number of reasons, such as: use of Nepali as mother tongue, lack of students’ curiosity towards learning English, uneducated guardians and so forth.
To sort out the aforementioned problems, we can carry out the following steps which are very crucial.
• Using English as a medium of English from grade one to ten.
• Supporting the teachers having problems in using English by running special trainings.
• Inspiring pupils to learn and communicate in English.
• Providing regular feedback to the students and assisting them where necessary.
• Practicing English among the colleagues during school hours.
• Forming strict rules and regulations regarding English speaking.
• Running different English programs as extracurricular activities at regular interval.
For example like essay writting competition, Quiz about science and technology others also.
Henceforth, there are many problems and challenges to create English environment in public schools. But, some sparkling rays are seen in the present scenario of community schools which will certainly improve English environment and help to establish each public school as a ‘English Speaking Zone’ in the days to cone.
