Practical Criticism Midwest (PCM) Conference Presenation
A Way to Create an Authentic Language Learning Environment in EFL contexts
Upon completion of my bachelor’s degree in English literature at Ball State University, I returned home to share with my countrymen my Fulbright experience. Part of the sharing included teaching English in four private high schools.
At the dawn of my teaching career in Burkina Faso, however, I was confronted with fundamental problems that needed answers.
The problems emanated from the shift the educational system in Burkina Faso was undergoing. The country was moving from a traditional model of education once calqued on the French education system to a model that fits international standards. That new model has generically been labeled LMD, which stands for Licence, Master, Doctorat.
In its very core, the shift implied moving from a lecture mode class to a student-centered class. Though the new education model was adopted in theory, it still struggles to find its way in practice.
How could the average teacher suddenly change his teaching practices to fit the demands of the new model without training? How could students who have always been passive recipient of knowledge suddenly be turned into active participants in their own knowledge construction?
The frustration to implement this new education model was manifested through multiple student demonstrations. This very frustration found its way in the classes I was teaching.
My students vetoed my first attempt to utilize a project-based learning because they could not see how it would help them pass their end of year exams, despite the numerous rationales I provided in favor of such a teaching methodology.
Given the fact that the long term goal – learning English – and short tem goal – passing English exams – were in contradiction from students’ stand points, I decided to create an English Club.
English clubs are very different from regular classes. They provide psychosocial support to students while helping them improve their language skills. They create a milieu for language learners to practice the language in a milieu where such opportunities are scarce.
In our particular context,
- Participation was not mandatory, but rather voluntary
- Summative assessment was not part of game
- The club was strictly student-run with at its core an executive committee that reinforces the rules of the constitution
- Few faculty advisors oversaw the activities of the club, provided feedback when necessary, and served as liaison between the club and local institutions
Student activities included
- Organized panel discussions
- Sports practices
- Karaoke
- Poetry competitions
- Word Games (Crossword puzzles, Riddles, Idioms, Jokes)
All of these activities were undertaken in English with a few occasions where directions were given in French.
In a context where didactic materials are rare and often not attuned to the cultural context, the English club filled that gap by using students themselves as material generators. For example, the short films produced by members of the club were in turn used as didactic materials.
Furthermore, lots of skills were being forged through participation in the club. To cite a few,
- Communication skills
- Leadership skills
- Languages with a focus on speaking and listening skills particularly
- Collaboration and cooperation skills
- Peer tutoring and guidance skills
- Research skills
- Technology skills
Based on this experience, I can firmly assert that the English club sowed in my student a grain of motivation that was enough to make them successful language learners. As teachers, I believe we all want to inspire our students in such ways that they can learn on their own and only rely on us when they need guidance.
The reinforcement of democratic values is often enacted through the education system. If the latter is empowering and promotes mutual respect and disagreement among participants without personal attacks, it indeed puts us on a good path to attaining real democracy.
The below video is a condensed version of some of the activities that were carried out in the club.
Enjoy!