'Self-transcription' to up language proficiency

EDUCATORS were encouraged to give students tasks that would expose them to more activities and responsibilities such as "self-transcription", to reflect on their own fluency and accuracy in order to improve their language skills.

Dr Michael Torpey from Japan's Kanda University of International Studies said: "Memorisation among students is a problem. By giving them tasks that promotes activity in a classroom, it will also encourage students to be spontaneous when it comes to using a language."

The director of Japan's Kanda University of International Studies English Language Institute recently conducted a study at his university, where students had to practise self-transcription in pairs. He explained that the students had to correct themselves together, instead of relying on teachers to correct their work for them.

"After they corrected their own work, they had to e-mail the work back to the teachers. I found that the task allowed opportunities for students to reflect on their use of the language and (therefore in the future), they would be able to think accurately," he said.

In this regards, educators should always explain their "philosophies" to the students, before carrying out a task, he added. He said that it was important for students to understand reasons why they were about to undertake a task, before actually doing it.

Torpey said that educators should continuously find opportunities to conduct research to see if the tasks given were effective, or to introduce new tasks to aid students in their language learning process.

"After carrying out a task, educators should develop research to see if the tasks have been working, and then analyse areas for improvements (if necessary)." It is very important to obtain feedback from students, as we are always developing new materials and activities (task-based teaching)," he said, adding that it was crucial to find out what activities students like to help them in learning.

When asked how Brunei could improve its teaching system, he said: "If Brunei is thinking of moving towards language learning, this (task and activity) is a good example of how students can be more active in class and to take on more responsibility."

Linda Galbraith from Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam Secondary School (SMJA) echoed the same sentiments.

"As Brunei is slowly moving from teacher-centred to student-centred learning, it is essential for language learning to be active, and I absolutely encourage it," she said.

Galbraith said that local students are however, starting to think proficiently in English.

"I think because of the use of Internet and social networking sites (that are easily accessible), students are just so aware that there is a bigger world out there. Even lyrics from music are providing ideas to students," the teacher explained, adding that students in her classes were balanced in being cooperative and competitive.

The seminar on publication was organised by Brunei's Centre for British Teachers (CfBT) to improve English Language education in the Sultanate.

CfBT's Head of Committee for Research and Publication Dr Greg Keaney, said: "We organised this seminar because we hope to increase the levels of school-based research and publication among teachers, and to improve language education in Brunei."

Some 12 English educators attended the seminar held at the Royal Brunei Yacht Club (RBYC). The Brunei Times