English Proficiency

in the Classroom

Syeda Basma Emaad

What is English
proficiency?
English language proficiency
is defined as an individual's
ability to effectively and
accurately use the English
language. Proficiency levels
are measured across
various language skills,
including listening, speaking,
reading, and writing.

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 English Proficiency Tests
Taking an English language proficiency test helps you determine your
specific skill level – whether you are at a beginner, intermediate or an
expert level. Designed and organized around a standard framework to
assess, these tests also gives you a clear picture of the skills that you
need to work upon.
Examples of English language proficiency tests are IELTS and TOEFL.

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 CEFR
Common European Framework of Reference (for Languages)

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

(CEFR) is an international standard for describing language ability. It
describes language ability on a six-point scale, from A1 for beginners,
up to C2 for those who have mastered a language. This makes it easy
for anyone involved in language teaching and testing, such as teachers
or learners, to see the level of different qualifications.

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CEFR
Common European Framework
of Reference (for Languages)

Usual levels of English

for school teachers in
international schools

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 Discover your level of English
https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/test-your-english/

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 ESL and EFL

ESL = English as a Second Language

EFL = English as a Foreign Language

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 Why is teachers’ proficiency in English important?

Teachers’ proficiency in the English language correlates with their ability to provide optimal
learning opportunities in the classroom. For teachers to be able to teach in English
effectively, they must be confident and proficient in the use of the language themselves. In
order to learn a language effectively, students need access to appropriate language models,
opportunities to listen to and use the language for communication, and most importantly,
receive timely feedback on their progress.
This puts the onus on the teachers to enable an environment that supports this process
and translates into the need for the development of teachers’ English language proficiency.
Any professional development activity, therefore, needs to focus on developing teachers’
own language proficiency as well as imparting pedagogical skills.
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 Why is English proficiency important for students?

In an English learning environment, students’ proficiency in English correlates with their overall
academic performance. When the medium of study is English, then naturally, if students are
skilled in understanding and using English, they will perform well in all academic areas and
subjects. Knowledge of the English language corresponds directly with success in education,
innovation and attaining high-level career positions.
If the students can communicate well in English, their confidence will automatically be high.
Students possessing effective language skills have more career opportunities than others, and
they can meet their career goals more quickly. Speaking and writing accurately and
demonstrating other language skills create a good impression on employers.
In short, students will be needing English language skills throughout their professional lives.
Moreover, these skills will help them in their personal lives too.
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 Why is English proficiency so important to universities?

With almost 1.75 billion people speaking English as their first or second language, English is one of
the most popular languages in the world.
So it makes perfect sense that a large majority of the universities around the world would expect
their international students to exhibit a certain level of fluency when it comes to speaking, writing,
and understanding written or spoken English.
The universities want to be confident that the students will successfully complete their studies, when
they are taught in English, without any language barriers. They know that the students will need to
actively participate in classroom discussions, understand the textbooks, and complete their
assignments to finish their education and move forward to a great future.
By demonstrating their English capabilities with an English proficiency test, students prove to the
university that they have the language skills necessary to succeed. 12
 Key steps for improving students’ language proficiency

• Make the students read (for comprehension, inference, analysis, etc.)

• Give the students ample time to discuss different topics, ideas and issues among
themselves and with the teacher.
• Include time in lessons for activities involving listening on a regular basis.
• Encourage the students to express themselves in writing also, just as they do in
speaking.
• Enable the students to write on various themes and in different forms.
• Give appropriate verbal and written feedback to the students.
• Let the students know their mistakes in a positive way. The purpose is for the
students to learn from their mistakes, not to be reprimanded for them.

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Importance of feedback and checking students’ work accurately

Students reflect the speaking and writing of their teachers, and learn from their
mistakes when pointed out. It is one of the responsibilities of a teacher to make sure
that she gives oral and written feedback to the students and checks their work
thoroughly and accurately. If this is not done, then the students get used to writing
inaccurately and mistakes become a normal part of their work.

Especially at pre-primary and primary level, it is crucial to correct the students’

mistakes and encourage the students to try not to repeat them. Reinforcement
activities and extra practice should be conducted for areas in which students make
more mistakes.

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Some areas of language to focus on while checking

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Checking a text written by a student

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Checked Work

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Number of mistakes

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Test your level of English
https://www.efset.org/

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Thank you!
syedabasma@gmail.com