Redesigning ESL Course Books for NEP 2020

Praveen,C.(2022).Redesigning ESL Course Books for NEP 2020. In Nidhi Sharma and Prabhavathy (ed.)English Language Teaching, Past, Present and Future. Shanlax Publications. pp1-6. ISBN 978-93-93737-64-9 ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE Dr. Nidhi Sharma Dr. Prabhavathy CONTENTS S. No 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. Title Redesigning ESL Course Books for NEP 2020 Dr.Chandrasekharan Praveen Emerging Trends in English in Language Teaching J. Daisy Rani Teaching and Learning a Second Language through a Movie Review Mr. David Boon & Dr.P.Prabhavathy Digital Social Reading and English Language Teaching Ms. Divya Mathur Challenges and Ways in Learning English as a Foreign Language Dr. Geetika Patni Interdisciplinary Approach in Language Teaching Mrs. Mariya shalini & Dr. E. Arokiya Shylaja Novel Trends in English Language Teaching Dr.Nidhi Sharma Understanding the Appropriate use of Tenses in Academic Writing Dr Parin Somani The Intralingual Errors Naturally Occurs for a Second Language Learner During Tense Shift Dr.P.Prabhavathy Transformation in English Language Teaching: Then and Now Dr Ritu Pareek English and its Scope in Past, Present & Future Ms Ruby Tyagi Modern English Language Teaching Methods Dr.P.Santhi & Dr. A. Santha Devi Techniques and Challenges for Teaching English as an Additional Language in India Dr. Sheeba Anjum Teaching and Learning of a Second Language – Grammar Skills Mrs. V.K Vasanthi, Dr. P. Prabhavathy & Prof. E. Justin Ruben Page No. 1 7 12 14 19 25 29 35 42 47 52 56 60 63 English Language Teaching: Past, Present and Future REDESIGNING ESL COURSE BOOKS FOR NEP 2020 Dr. Chandrasekharan Praveen Former Principal, IASE, Thrissur, Kerala Abstract The National Education Policy (2020) in its introduction, stressed the importance of instilling Indian cultural aspects and knowledge traditions. The Policy also mentioned the necessity of teaching values such as „nishkama karma‟, pluralism etc. and creating opportunity for children to read and learn from stories of Panchatantra and other inspiring tales. (4.28). Sensible educators would perceive this as a progressive step in the country‟s journey towards rediscovering its rich knowledge database once available in the ancient libraries of Nalanda and Taxila. Sheldon in his article entitled „Top 4 General English Textbooks‟ states: “One of the most important necessities in ESL teaching is, of course the text book”. The books identified by Sheldon have a variety of activities and accompanying tools, such as CD ROMs and some of them are currently being used in English as a Second Language (ESL) contexts. But if used in India, it is doubtful whether it would help realize the suggestions made in NEP 2020. The author proposes the introduction of translation of classic texts in Sanskrit as content of ESL Course Books for use in India. It begins with the assumption that by utilizing content with a bearing on India‟s rich cultural heritage, it is possible to realize the NEP proposal which basically aims at an India-centred education. The specimen tasks prepared by the author is in tune with the popular Task-based teaching with a focus on 21st century skills. Keywords: Course Book, ESL, India-centred education, Language tasks, NEP 2020 Introduction Textbooks are a key component of any language programme (Richards 2012). They not only give a guideline for learning or teaching English but also contribute to a text-rich environment and increase the possibility of knowledge sharing among students. According to Hutchinson and Torres (1994, p. 232) there are four specific ways in which text books can help in times of educational change: first as “a vehicle for teacher and learner training”; second because they provide “support and relief” from the burden of looking for materials; third by providing “as complete a picture as possible” of “what the change will look like”; and fourth through the psychological support they give to teachers. Recently, the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP) with it focus on an Indiacentred education system, came up for discussion in several platforms across the country. One main reason being that it advocated the development of a strong sense and knowledge of Indian cultural history, arts, languages and traditions which is deemed essential to build a positive cultural identity and self-esteem (NEP:22.2) Vijayalakshmi & Babu (2014) tracing the history of English language teaching in India observed the rise of a trend in textbook content creation which tended to replace 1 English Language Teaching: Past, Present and Future writings by native speakers with writings of Indian nationals who have a mastery of prose and poetry. While this is definitely a good trend, the author argues that if the ultimate aim is an India-centred education, the time has come to consciously restructure the content of English language course books by incorporating English translations of classic Indian texts of ancient times. To illustrate the possibility, the author has not only identified online resources that could possibly be included for restructuring ESL course books but also prepared specimen tasks that matches the currently popular Task-based teaching focussing on 21st century skills. Brief review of studies Sheldon identified four „great‟ text books for General English students and some of them are increasingly being used in English as a Second Language (ESL) contexts. While the books identified by Sheldon have a variety of activities and accompanying tools, such as CD ROMs, there is no guarantee that the India-centred education proposed in NEP 2020 can be realized. A focused surfing of the Internet would reveal that the online educational portal of Sanskrit language, Samskrutam Studies, has content ranging from Sanskrit language, literature, grammar, stories and puzzles to several other resources to study „Sanskrit – and- Indic‟ subjects. Another site providing links to extensive resources which would open up a mine of resources is Portal to Sanskrit Resources. A leading publisher of ESL books, Macmillan perceives language as a life skill. They affirmed that students capable of using Life skills, 21st century skills or soft skills are better placed to take advantage of educational and employment opportunities. The moment the draft of the NEP 2019 was available for review, there were mixed responses. For instance, while sharing his opinion on NPE 2019, Gowda of Azim Premji University observed that it not only harms Indian culture but also “impoverishes the learning experience of all”. Taking an entirely different stance, Kumar writing for the Business Standard perceived NEP‟s education reforms to be “excellent”. Specimen Tasks 1. Level: Higher Secondary Content chosen It is an extract from a Sanskrit short story The Weighing Scales and the Merchant‟s son. Task The task proposed is a contextualized instance of language use and is suitable for Intermediate level learners and has a purpose, a context, a process and a product which is common in Task-based Language Teaching.(1) Story extract After being cheated by the money lender who claimed that the weighing scales given had been eaten by rats, the borrower had gone to take a bath with the money lender‟s son. 2 English Language Teaching: Past, Present and Future What immediately followed is included in this extract from „The Weighing Scales and the Merchant‟s Son‟ (Samskrutam): In accordance with the father‟s instructions, the son (Dhandev) went along with Jeernadhan, carrying the bathing paraphernalia. They reached the river bank, and after bathing, Jeerradhan, hid the money lender‟s son in a cave and shut the entrance to the cave with a huge stone. Then he returned to the town. Seeing Jeernadhan returning alone, the money lender asked,-“O dear Sir! Where is my son who went along with you?”. He answered,-“From the river bank, a falcon took your son and flew away” The money lender said, -Liar, can a falcon fly away with a boy? Bring back my son, otherwise I will move the court.” Jeernadhan said (sarcastically)-“O Truthful Sir, if falcons cannot take away a boy, then rats cannot eat a solid scale...” Problem solving Task Imagine the story is taking place in modern times. The money lender surfs the internet and comes up with an incredible video available on YouTube of a toddler being snatched by a falcon. He is confused. Suppose you are assigned the task of solving the problem of Jeernadhan and the money lender. You may make use of the following steps: 1. Understand the problem...Listen, read and take heed. 2. Identify all of the „unknown‟ as well as the „known‟. 3. Interpret relationships between them (visual aids can help). 4. Generate a strategy from steps 2 and 3. 5. Apply the strategy and solve the problem. [Problem solving steps adapted from Developing Critical Thinking Skills: Pinpoint Leadership Skill Development Training Series] 2. Level: Under Graduate Content chosen: The content chosen include three poems, one ancient and two modern on „milking cows‟ . Text # 1 1157 The dairy boy milks the cow with fingers bent beneath his overlapping thumb. He holds the ground with the ball of his feet and strikes with his two elbows at the gnats that sting his sides. Sweet is the sound of the milk, my dear, as its stream squirts into the jar held in the vice of his lowered knees. [upAdhyAyadAmra] 3 English Language Teaching: Past, Present and Future This stanza is from a selection of poetry culled from translations of the 11 th century Sanskrit poetry anthology, VidyaAkara‟s SubhASitaratnakoSha. Text# 2 Milking a cow The day in the meadow is done. … The faint sweet smell of digested grass Surround the soft-spoken dairyman, Sitting on his 3-legged stool, Humming a tune while he Rests his face against her belly. He Pulls and pushes the udders To release a magical flow Of life sustaining milk... -Janeileen Text # 3 The Milkman The door was bolted and the windows of my porch Were screened to keep invaders out ... When suddenly I felt a whir of dread. Soon, soon, Stiff as a bone I listened for the Milkman‟s tread. ... I tried To keep my eyes spread to the table, but the suck Of apprehension milked my force. At last he mounted My backstairs, climbed to the top, and there he stood still Outside the bolted door... I felt the horror of his quiet melt me, steal Into my sockets, and seduce me to him from My dinner... -Isabella Gardner Tasks based on the poems • Identify the content of the poems. • List down the ideas that each poet wants the reader to think about. • Comment on the mood or atmosphere of the poems. • Comment on the choice of words and phrases and identify style of organization if any. • Identify how similar, and how different the poems are from one another. • Based on the social milieu that emerges through your reading, write a description of the social life and value system of that society. 4 English Language Teaching: Past, Present and Future Summing up An attempt has been made to demonstrate the possibility of including Sanskrit texts in translation for performing language based tasks based on 21st century skills and the use of digital aids appropriate for the modern learner. It suggests that inclusion of translation of Sanskrit literary gems along with English literature will benefit learners by throwing open the rich treasures hidden in Sanskrit texts which helps prune an individual‟s perception of self and life in general. But the proposal made in this article has the obvious limitation of not been tested for effectiveness on a target population. Yet the possibilities which the article proposes is immense. The author hopes that it would help curriculum developers chart out a road map for an Indiacentred education suggested in NEP 2020. Notes and References (1) Purpose: an underlying reason for undertaking the task (beyond the mere display of subject knowledge); Context: the thematic, situational, and interactive circumstances in which the task is undertaken. The context may be real, simulated or imaginary. Considering context includes knowing where the task is taking place; Process: a mode or process of inquiry, thinking, problem-solving, performing, creating; Product: the result of completing a task. (Clark, Scarino & Brownell, 1994). References: 1. Clark, J., Scarino, A., & Brownell, J. (1994). Improving the quality of learning: A framework for target-oriented curriculum renewal. Hong Kong: Institute of Language in Education. 2. National Education Policy.2020. https://www.education.gov.in/sites/upload_files/mhrd/files/NEP_Final_Englis h_0.pdf 3. Developing Critical Thinking Skills: Pinpoint Leadership Skill Development Training Series Majorium Business Press, Stevens Point, WI 2011. Isabella.The Milkman. 4. Gardner, https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/browse?contentId=25932 5. Gowda, Chandan. Missing secularism in new education policy. https:// www.livemint.com/education/news/missing-secularism-in-neweducationpolicy- 1561564775831.html 6. Hutchinson, T. and Torres, E. (1994),”The textbook as agent of change‟, ELT Journal 48.4:315-28. 7. Janeileen https://allpoetry.com/poem/6865010-Milking-A-Cow-by-janeileen 8. Kumar,Bhaswar. NEP 2019's 'excellent' early education reforms face significant challenges. https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/nep- 5 English Language Teaching: Past, Present and Future 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 2019-sexcellent-early-education-reforms-face-significant-challenges 119061900335_1.html Macmillan. http://www.macmillanenglish.com/resources/ Portal to Sanskrit Resources. https://sanskrit.inria.fr/portal.html Richards, J. C. (n.d.). The Role of Textbook in a Language Program. http://www.professorjackrichards.com/wp-content/uploads/role-oftextbooks.pdf Samskrutam Studies. http://sanskrit.samskrutam.com/en.MainPage.ashx Sheldon, Jared. 4 Great Textbooks for General English Students. https:// busyteacher.org / 5618-4-great-textbooks-general-english-students.html SubhASitaratnakoSha. https://www.cse.iitk.ac.in/users/amit/books/vidyakara1968-sanskrit-poetryfrom.html Vijayalakshmim M & Babu, Manchi Sarat. A Brief History of English Language Teaching in India. International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, Volume 4, Issue 5, May 2014 1 ISSN 2250-3153. https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/ bbc6/ a59b5daf70970234086ddec1da0c137342b4.pdf YouTube Video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xb0P5t5NQWM 6 English Language Teaching: Past, Present and Future 7