Extracurriculm Activities
Problem:
The Ministry of Education in China has introduced policy about English curriculum standards in 2011, providing five criteria to follow for teachers to design English curriculum. However, there has been no policy about extracurricular activities about English learning until now. Since there is limited time for students to learn English in class, extracurricular activities seem to be a great supplementary to improve students’ English proficiency. What’s more, a number of parents are sending their children to English training centers after school. However, not every family can afford extra tutoring fees. Thus, this will probably expend inequality in education.
Solutions:
In order to address the problems caused by lack of policy on extracurricular activities, English teachers can organize extracurricular activities by themselves, with the permission and resources from the schools.
As to reading skill, English teachers can help organize a reading club among students to improve their English reading competence after class. For students from less affluent families, books can be borrowed from libraries. Sharing and circulating books with classmates can be also encouraged.
With regards to listening skill, English teacher can provide some authentic listening materials which match the English level of students after school. Online resources or audio programs would be fine.
Regarding to writing skill, English teachers can organize a small composition competition in the class. Writing workshops after school are also recommended to improve students writing ability. There is an example of writing workshops from Benjamin Cardozo High School in Washington, D.C.
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As to speaking skills, English teachers can coordinate English corners for students to practice speaking. Or It is also worth learning that some schools hold English speech contests for students to develop their English public speech skills.
Picture1 Three major English training centers among numerous companies which specialize in after school tutuoring in mainland China.
Picture2 English corner in Ho Yu College and Primary School in Hong Kong
Picture 3 A student is giving a speech in an English speech contest in Korea.