Expert Lectures on ELT- Prof. Attanu Bhattacharya
The three day expert lectures with Prof. Attanu Bhattacharya were truly informative as well as inspiring. Not only did the students learn a lot about ELT but also about the current trends in the field of research in language and literature. Attanu sir's interactive teaching technique made the entire class attentive and curious to know more about the subject. Following are some of the points that were discussed:
ELT- Historical Perspective:
Attanu sir discussed how language learning was an important aspect of education even in the ancient times; and also how it formed an essential part of education even before the rise of traditional educational system. He also discussed how the classical languages like Greek, Latin, Sanskrit, German were taught and why were they important to teach. He also discussed how logic, philosophy, rhetoric, grammar, etc. were also incorporated in the early language classroom to understand how they affected language learning.
Literature for Language Teaching: Poem & Fiction:
While discussing the role of literature in the language learning classroom, some interesting observations were made. Accordingly, the following key points were discussed:
1) Literature can provide intrinsic motivation to the learner.
2) It can also help in developing inter dependence among the learners in the classroom which can further be helpful for them in the learning process; especially during the group activities.
3) Literature can help in developing lateral thinking[thinking through associations] skills in the learners; which in turn proves helpful in language learning.
4) Literature is also useful in developing meta-cognitive(reflective and analytic) skills in the learner.
Testing and Evaluation: Validity, Reliability and Backwash:
Attanu sir began the discussion on testing and evaluation with the explanation of the basic distinctions between the words Testing, Evaluation and Assessment; and also how they are often misunderstood and used interchangeably. He discussed how, Testing involved a specific and particular objective as well as a score. Whereas, Evaluation and Assessment often go together; since both involve a general idea of the course and also that both of them may or may not involve a score; both of them also involve a feedback from the one who evaluates or assesses.
Coming to the section on Testing, the various types of Tests in language learning were discussed. For instance, Proficiency Tests, Achievement Tests, Diagnostic Tests, etc. The Backwash or Washback effect, it was discussed, is the effect which testing or evaluation has on how students are taught. A test can either have a positive or negative effect on the system of teaching.
English Studies: Future Prospects and Research Avenues:
A common trouble a student of literature or language faces, particularly in India, is the question of what to do after studying literature or language for five years. Attanu sir provided the students new insights regarding research in language and literature. He explained how current trends in the research field aren't focused strictly on a certain category of language or literature. Especially, today the field of research in literature isn't restricted to the study of classical texts or application of one or the theory. Some trending research areas which sir introduced were Comparative Literature, Digital Humanities,The trend of Rewriting the classical texts, A study on the phenomenon of fan-fictions, etc.
ELT- Historical Perspective:
Attanu sir discussed how language learning was an important aspect of education even in the ancient times; and also how it formed an essential part of education even before the rise of traditional educational system. He also discussed how the classical languages like Greek, Latin, Sanskrit, German were taught and why were they important to teach. He also discussed how logic, philosophy, rhetoric, grammar, etc. were also incorporated in the early language classroom to understand how they affected language learning.
Literature for Language Teaching: Poem & Fiction:
While discussing the role of literature in the language learning classroom, some interesting observations were made. Accordingly, the following key points were discussed:
1) Literature can provide intrinsic motivation to the learner.
2) It can also help in developing inter dependence among the learners in the classroom which can further be helpful for them in the learning process; especially during the group activities.
3) Literature can help in developing lateral thinking[thinking through associations] skills in the learners; which in turn proves helpful in language learning.
4) Literature is also useful in developing meta-cognitive(reflective and analytic) skills in the learner.
Testing and Evaluation: Validity, Reliability and Backwash:
Attanu sir began the discussion on testing and evaluation with the explanation of the basic distinctions between the words Testing, Evaluation and Assessment; and also how they are often misunderstood and used interchangeably. He discussed how, Testing involved a specific and particular objective as well as a score. Whereas, Evaluation and Assessment often go together; since both involve a general idea of the course and also that both of them may or may not involve a score; both of them also involve a feedback from the one who evaluates or assesses.
Coming to the section on Testing, the various types of Tests in language learning were discussed. For instance, Proficiency Tests, Achievement Tests, Diagnostic Tests, etc. The Backwash or Washback effect, it was discussed, is the effect which testing or evaluation has on how students are taught. A test can either have a positive or negative effect on the system of teaching.
English Studies: Future Prospects and Research Avenues:
A common trouble a student of literature or language faces, particularly in India, is the question of what to do after studying literature or language for five years. Attanu sir provided the students new insights regarding research in language and literature. He explained how current trends in the research field aren't focused strictly on a certain category of language or literature. Especially, today the field of research in literature isn't restricted to the study of classical texts or application of one or the theory. Some trending research areas which sir introduced were Comparative Literature, Digital Humanities,The trend of Rewriting the classical texts, A study on the phenomenon of fan-fictions, etc.
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