Objectives of Teaching English in Secondary Schools in Kenya
- Develop communicative competence: Enable learners to use English effectively in all forms of communication (reading, writing, speaking, and listening).
- Foster academic literacy: Enhance learners' ability to access, understand, and utilize academic texts and materials.
- Develop critical thinking skills: Help learners analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information presented in English.
- Cultivate creativity and self-expression: Provide learners with opportunities to express their ideas and emotions through English.
- Enhance cultural awareness: Develop learners' understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures through the use of English literature and other materials.
- Prepare learners for further education and careers: Equip learners with the English proficiency necessary for success in higher education, the workplace, and global communication.
Contributions to the Achievement of National Goals of Education in Kenya
Goals of Education in Kenya:
- Nurture the learner's potential: English language proficiency empowers learners to unlock their cognitive, linguistic, and creative abilities.
- Train Kenyans for productivity and creativity: English is the language of business, education, and technology, providing learners with the skills they need to contribute to national development.
- Develop positive attitudes and values: Through English literature and other materials, learners can develop values of empathy, tolerance, and respect for diversity.
- Promote national unity and cohesion: English serves as a common language, bridging linguistic and cultural divides within the Kenyan population.
- Foster responsible citizenship: By developing critical thinking skills, learners can become informed and responsible citizens capable of making sound decisions.
Specific Contributions of English Language Teaching:
- Improves academic performance: English is the medium of instruction in secondary schools, and proficiency in the language is essential for academic success in all subjects.
- Enhances employability: Employers value candidates with strong English proficiency, as it is a key skill for effective communication and collaboration.
- Promotes cultural understanding: English enables learners to interact with people from different backgrounds, fostering cross-cultural exchange and mutual respect.
- Supports national development: English is crucial for accessing global information, technology, and ideas, contributing to economic growth and societal progress.
- Prepares learners for higher education: Strong English proficiency is a prerequisite for admission to universities and other institutions of higher learning.