#49, ‘English for Progress: Third Policy Dialogue’ – A report by Prof (Dr) Shefali Bakshi
By Tarun Patel
‘English for Progress: Third Policy Dialogue’ – Dialogue – From Policy to Practice – British Council -18 Nov, to 20 Nov, 2009
A report by Prof (Dr) Shefali Bakshi
English for Progress: Third Policy Dialogue was held on 19 – 20 November, 2009 at Hyatt Regency Delhi. The Policy Dialogue focused on issues such as transforming the workforce for 2020, teacher education, methodology, role of assessment, implementing change and the future of English language education. The conference had speakers and delegates from India, Sri Lanka and the UK.
British Council’s Project English in India and Sri Lanka region is well on its way to achieving Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s vision of training 750,000 English teachers in the sub-continental region. This Dialogue captured vignettes of how work in teacher and trainer training with state and corporate sector has progressed apace in the last two years.
February 5th, 2010
#40, Event: English for Progress: Third Policy Dialogue November 18 – 20, 2009, New Delhi
By Tarun Patel
In 2007, the British Council organised its First English Policy Dialogue in Chennai and followed-up the next year in Kolkatta with the Second Policy Dialogue. The aim of the Policy Dialogues has been to provide stakeholders with a platform for sharing models of best practice, knowledge and experience. Further, it also provides an opportunity to discuss issues relating to policy and practice in English language learning and teaching. This year, the conversation will continue at the English for Progress: Third Policy Dialogue in New Delhi.
ENGLISH IN INDIA AND SRI LANKA: THE CONTEXT
Recent research in India and Sri Lanka indicates that, despite being home to sizable pool of English speaking population, the region is confronted with a massive language skill gap. This is indicated by the fact that demand for competent English speaking manpower continues to outstrip supply and that large portion of the graduate pool lacks English communicative fluency and interpersonal skills. This, in-turn, is limiting the ability of the industry and services sector to find professionals with skills required for modern-day working.