Creating an English Medium Classroom

Challenges and Efforts in English-Medium Instruction

Teaching through English medium presents its own set of challenges, requiring concerted efforts from both teachers and students to navigate classroom processes effectively. For teachers, delivering a lesson in English demands not only proficiency in the language but also a deep understanding of how to communicate complex content in a comprehensible manner. Similarly, students must actively engage with the material and overcome language barriers to fully participate in the English-medium classroom. While fluent English speakers may find this transition smoother, those with limited proficiency may face a more arduous journey. Teachers who are less confident in English may feel hesitant, and students may struggle to express themselves or grasp the content fully. However, with determination and support, this challenge is not insurmountable. Both teachers and students must commit to putting in the necessary effort to make this shift successful. When both parties approach the learning process with dedication and a willingness to engage, the result is an enriching educational experience where language becomes a tool for empowerment and growth.

Collaborative Efforts in English-Medium Transformation

Let’s explore into the collaborative efforts of teachers and students in transforming their classroom into an English-medium instructional environment. Beyond the content itself, teachers must strategically use specific expressions throughout the lesson. For instance, at the lesson’s start, teachers can use expressions to introduce the topic (Today, we’re going to explore an exciting new topic.) and motivate learners (“Let’s work together and make this lesson fun and engaging”) for the upcoming session. This approach not only sets a positive tone but also encourages active participation and engagement from the students, fostering a more immersive and effective learning experience.

Integrating English Vocabulary in Subject Instruction

While teaching subjects like science, math, or English in their native language, it’s imperative for teachers to seamlessly incorporate important terms and technical vocabulary in English. This integration serves multiple purposes, enhancing students’ comprehension of subject-specific terminology while simultaneously facilitating their English language acquisition. By weaving English vocabulary into their instruction, teachers provide students with valuable exposure to language in context, reinforcing their understanding of both academic concepts and linguistic nuances. Furthermore, incorporating English terms equips students with the language skills necessary for success in an increasingly globalized world, where proficiency in English opens doors to diverse educational and professional opportunities. Therefore, teachers play a pivotal role in fostering language development by skillfully integrating English expressions into their lessons, thereby nurturing students’ academic growth and linguistic competence simultaneously.

Bilingual Approach in Explaining Concepts

Let’s illustrate this with an example: Imagine a teacher explaining the concept of photosynthesis to class VII students, where the instruction is primarily delivered in Hindi due to the class being conducted in a Hindi-medium environment. The teacher describes photosynthesis as:

“वह प्रक्रिया जिसमें पौधे और कुछ अन्य जीव पानी और कार्बन डाइऑक्साइड से अपना भोजन बनाने के लिए प्रकाश ऊर्जा का उपयोग करते हैं।”

(The process in which plants and some other organisms use light energy to make their food from water and carbon dioxide.)

Now, consider an alternative version of this definition:

“वह process जिसमें plant और other organisms, water और carbon dioxide से अपना food prepare के लिए light energy का use करते हैं।”

(The process in which plants and other organisms use water and carbon dioxide to make their food using light energy.)

Eleven English words have been integrated into the definition in this modified version. Adopting this bilingual approach enriches the class with exposure to both Hindi and English, providing students with a valuable opportunity to learn key scientific terms in English. This strategic inclusion of English vocabulary not only enhances students’ understanding of the subject matter but also serves to pique their interest in the English language. As a result, students are motivated to engage more actively with English-medium instruction, laying the foundation for continued language development and academic success.

Establishing Norms for English-Medium Instruction

Incorporating these English expressions into daily classroom interactions establishes a norm conducive to English-medium instruction, thereby transforming the learning environment into an English-medium classroom. As teachers consistently utilize phrases like “May I have your attention, please?” and “Today, we’re going to learn about…” at the beginning of lessons, they set the stage for English language immersion. Similarly, employing expressions such as “Does everyone understand?” and “Can you explain that in your own words?” during classroom checks ensures active student engagement and comprehension.

Students’ mastery of these expressions further reinforces the classroom’s English-medium status. When students confidently use phrases like “Can you explain that again, please?” and “I don’t understand. Can you help me?” during questioning, they actively contribute to a language-rich environment. Likewise, when students reflect on their learning with statements such as “This lesson made me realize…” and “I feel more confident about…”, they demonstrate their language proficiency and ownership of the learning process.

Models for English Integration in Lessons

• Use as Much English as You Can in the Lesson
  Plan your lesson embedding English words.
  Practice them before you enter the class.
  Consciously bring these vocabularies into the class.

• Never Use Transitional Phrases in Your Own Language
  Collect a list of such expressions.
  Practice them ahead.
  Be cautious to always use these expressions.
  Encourage your students to use English for any interaction in the classroom.

Expressions/Phrases to Use in The Classroom

Beginning of the Lesson:

• Greeting the class: “Good morning/afternoon/evening, class!”  
• Setting the tone: “Let’s get started, shall we?”  
• Introduction to the topic: “Today, we’re going to learn about…”  
• Engaging students: “Who can tell me what they already know about this topic?”  

Instruction and Explanation:

• Providing instructions: “First, let me explain…”  
• Demonstrating: “Here’s how you do it.”  
• Clarifying concepts: “Does everyone understand so far?”  
• Checking for understanding: “Can you repeat that, please?”  
• Encouraging participation: “Who would like to try?”

Classroom Management:

• Giving directions: “Please take out your notebooks.”  
• Redirecting behavior: “Let’s focus on the task, please.”  
• Encouraging collaboration: “Let’s work together in pairs/groups.”  
• Managing transitions: “It’s time to move on to the next activity.”

Questioning and Discussion:

• Encouraging critical thinking: “What do you think might happen if…?”  
• Prompting analysis: “Why do you think that is?”  
• Stimulating conversation: “Can you explain your reasoning?”  
• Acknowledging contributions: “Thank you for sharing your thoughts.”

Feedback and Assessment:

• Providing praise: “Great job!”  
• Offering constructive criticism: “Let’s work on improving…”  
• Assessing understanding: “Who can summarize what we’ve learned?”  
• Encouraging reflection: “What did you find challenging today?”

Closure and Homework:

• Summarizing key points: “To wrap up, we covered…”  
• Assigning homework: “Your homework for tonight is…”  
• Reinforcing learning: “Don’t forget to review your notes.”  
• Concluding the lesson: “That’s all for today. See you next class!”