A Diagnosis of English Language Teaching in Public Elementary Schools in Pasto, Colombia

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Published: Dec 1, 2011
Keywords:
Approach, diagnostic study, method, methodology, methodological characteristics, principle, procedure, technique

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Jesús Alirio Bastidas
Universidad de Nariño, Pasto
Gaby Muñoz Ibarra
Universidad de Nariño, Pasto

Abstract

English teaching in Colombian primary schools became a requirement because of the promulgation of the Law of Education in 1994. Taking into account that this decision produced some difficulties in the schools, a study was conducted to diagnose the state of English language teaching in primary schools in Pasto, Colombia. Data were gathered through classroom observation, a questionnaire, and interviews. The results showed that teachers are not well versed either in methodology or in the command of the English language; there was no English syllabus; didactic materials were nonexistent; and the children’s lack of motivation was the most critical problem. Teachers, institutions and the government have to take into account these findings in order to improve English learning in primary schools.

Article Details

How to Cite
Bastidas, J. A., & Muñoz Ibarra, G. (2011). A Diagnosis of English Language Teaching in Public Elementary Schools in Pasto, Colombia. HOW, 18(1), 95–111. Retrieved from https://www.howjournalcolombia.org/index.php/how/article/view/54
Issue
Vol. 18 No. 1 (2011): HOW
Section
Research Reports

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Author Biographies

Jesús Alirio Bastidas, Universidad de Nariño, Pasto

Jesús Alirio Bastidas Arteaga is a Professor at Universidad de Nariño, Pasto, Colombia. He holds a PhD in Language, Learning, and Literacy from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, and a Post-Doctorate in Didactics of Language and Literature from Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, España.

Gaby Muñoz Ibarra, Universidad de Nariño, Pasto

Gaby Muñoz Ibarra is a part-time teacher at Universidad de Nariño, Pasto, Colombia. She holds a Master’s degree in Didáctica del Inglés from the Universidad de Caldas, Manizales, Colombia. Her main research interest is in the area of children’s learning and teaching of English.

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