Teaching English Language as a Non-Native: Introduction

A good command of English is seen as a sign of good education. The value and prestige attached to the ability to use the language effectively led its expansion. Adedokun (2007) citing Banjo (1989) states that the uniqueness of the language in Nigeria makes it a more demanding subject when compared to other subjects in the curriculum.  Adeosun (2014) and Kabiru (2002) itemised Faculties/Institutes of Education, Schools of Education in Polytechnics, Colleges of Education, and National Teachers’ Institute as the institutions charged with the responsibility of training teachers in Nigeria. The acceptable qualification to become an English teacher in Nigeria as well as other countries is a degree in education with English as subject matter.

All professionals generally have the fear of being challenged on their area of expertise. Agreed. No one wants to be found wrong at what one has learnt for years. The non-native English Language teacher is faced with this too. This is because he, as a learner teaches a language that is generally spoken by everyone. Since there are two categories of language learners; those who learn to just communicate and those who learn not just to communicate effectively but to teach others, the question of how the four years in school has made the Non-native English Language teachers better users of the language and transmitters of their knowledge is key to curriculum studies. So, the English Language teacher has three crucial tasks, which are to have the head knowledge of the language rules, use it well at all time, and teach it well. Subsequent posts that are categorized under  Teach English will focus on practical lessons on these three areas.

Before then, check out these wonderful links

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english

and

teachingenglish.org.uk