A Critical Evaluation of the Reasons for L2 Learners' Low Proficiency in English

Abstract

The study attempts a critical evaluation of the reasons for Low Proficiency in the case of L2 learners in an Engineering college where the author is working. It also analyses certain classroom practices and limitations of the present day teaching methodology.  The advantages of the new approaches to language teaching are vividly explained with special emphasis on Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) which has its focus on the learners' use of the language in day to day situations. The need for integrating fluency and accuracy is highlighted. It also throws light on the significance of error analysis. Ultimately the learners have to use the target language effectively at work place and hence the study reveals the importance of effective communication at workplace and the transactional values of the basic skills in the business world. Learners should go beyond the text book and the classroom. It is suggested that learners should find out self-directed learning activities beyond the text book and outside the classroom. It is hoped that this study will be beneficial to learners and English language teachers.