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#49, ‘English for Progress: Third Policy Dialogue’ – A report by Prof (Dr) Shefali Bakshi

Tarun Patel — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 07:20:45 +0000

‘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.

The most interesting sessions attended by Prof (Dr) Shefali Bakshi were: 1. English Next India: Policy Implications for English Teaching and Learning, A panel discussion on key issues raised by English Next India followed by questions from the floor. 2. Project English: Working with the Corporate Sector Ms Jill Coates, Head Corporate Training, Project English, British Council India

Part I – Transforming the Workforce for 2020: Challenges and Opportunities, Following which was the panel discussion on key priorities for the corporate world. 3. Transforming the Workforce for 2020: Barclays Partnership Case study on transforming the communication skills of the workforce. 4. Building Skills for Employability- What are the English and other skills deficits facing aspiring rural youth and how can they be addressed? Out of three parallel sessions Prof Shefali Bakshi attended 5. Innovations in testing, learning and recruitment in the corporate sector – How do we build a common framework of recruitment across the education and industry segments?

The second Day; 20^th Nov’09- began with an introduction with the new Regional Director, Ms Ruth Gee, British Council India and Sri Lanka followed by 1.Project English: Working with the State Sector, An overview of the British Council’s work with state governments and NGOs in India and Sri Lanka. 2. From planning for change to seeing intended change in practice-Some key issues for change implementers by Dr Martin Wedell, Senior Lecturer and Director, International Development, School of Education, University of Leeds, UK. 3. Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Round table discussions on the best ways to facilitate CPD in the Indian and Sri Lankan contexts. This was again one of the parallel sessions, in which Prof Shefali Bakshi asked some questions on the Professional Development of Teachers. 4. The Future of English Language Education: Methodological Choices-The panel will debate issues on medium of instruction, the role of the Mother tongue, multilingualism and related policies. 5. The Role of English in Conflict Transformation-How learning English can develop better understanding within conflict affected communities. Prof Bakshi then had to leave as it was time for her flight. She felt this was a life time experience to mingle with such varied educators from different worlds, be it industry or university.

The evening witnessed an informal chat with Mr Chetan Bhagat, Author of bestselling novels (latest being 2 States: The Story of my Marriage) interviewed by Dr Debanjan Chakrabarti, Head Project English, British Council, East India, followed by Dance/ music performance and Dinner.

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#40, Event: English for Progress: Third Policy Dialogue November 18 – 20, 2009, New Delhi

Tarun Patel — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 10:45:44 +0000

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.

The silver lining is that in recent years, increased awareness, and subsequent government initiatives, is beginning to have an impact on English language teaching in the region. The British Council, with global expertise in English language, teaching, training and research, aims to facilitate the reform process through partnership and deliberation with key stakeholders.

ENGLISH FOR PROGRESS


	Third Policy Dialogue

In November 2009, representatives from the Government, industry and academia will come together to chart a way forward for English in the commercial and academic arena.

Prominent Speakers

Mr. Nandan Nilekani, Chairman, Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)

Mr. David Graddol, UK writer, broadcaster and lecturer and author of English Next: India (to be released at the Policy Dialogue)

Mr Rod Bolitho, Academic Director of Norwich Institute for Language Education (NILE), UK

Mr Martin Wedell, Senior Lecturer and Head of International Education, School of Education, University of Leeds UK

Ms Maya Menon, Director, The Teacher Foundation, India

Sir Richard Stagg, British High Commissioner to India

Mr. Martin Davidson, Chief Executive, The British Council

For detailed information on this event, please visit: http://www.britishcouncil.org/india-english-englishforprogress.htm

NOTE: Our own Dr. Shefali Bakshi is attending this event and will write a detailed not on her experience.

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.