It is widely acknowledged that the Jamaican society is a bilingual one. The issue of English language competence has come to the fore, time and again, due to the poor results of our students on critical exams such as the GSAT and CSEC. To date, the Ministry of Education and schools have taken an academic approach to the teaching and assessment of language, which only focus on reading and writing. To a large extent, speaking and listening, have been ignored. Given the difficulties students face in demonstrating English language competence, there have been calls for the inclusion of an oral component to the English exams.
Late last year, the Honourable Minister, Rev. Thwaites indicated [1] that English oral examinations will be introduced by 2016, and said “it’s not a matter just of writing or ticking the right box, you are going to be examined on your ability to speak English”. As we reflect on the Jamaican classroom and consider our preparedness, please share your views on the following questions:
- What changes do you foresee will occur as a result of the English oral test being implemented?
- Is the approach to English oral practice within the Jamaican Classroom sufficient? Why or why not?
- What changes, if any, will the Jamaican English Classroom need to make to help prepare students for the 2016 oral exam?
The comment period will begin on Wednesday, July 9, 2014 and end on Friday, August 1. The CoP Facilitation Team will monitor the comments submitted and provide the community with a weekly summary.
How to participate:
- All CoP Members may participate in the e query and submitting a comment.
- Please note that your comments will not be delivered to the entire group until the weekly compilation of posts is sent out by the Facilitation Team.
- At the end of the query period, the Facilitation Team will develop a summary document of members' comments including recommendations to share with the community.
- For help, click here [2] to view our instruction guide or contact us at soe@uwimona.edu.jm [3]
We look forward to hearing from all of you as you share your experiences, observations and insights regarding this important issue.