The survey points to the poor quality of English teaching in English-medium public schools

Children lack confidence when speaking because they don’t benefit from everyday conversation, a survey report says. | Photo credit: File photo

Class 7 students studying in government English medium schools are not able to tell a short story in English. They struggle to understand the meaning of the text they read and struggle to form sentences and hold conversations. This was among the revelations of a study conducted by the Kannada Development Authority (KDA) on the quality of English language learning by children in English medium government schools.

The KDA survey, conducted in collaboration with the Deena Bandhu Trust of Chamarajanagar district, looked at the academic progress of 201 students currently studying in 20 schools that started English-medium education in 2019-20.

The assessment of English language teaching is based on the four main language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Assessment activities include oral communication, reading a poem, describing a picture, listening, comprehension, reading, using vocabulary, contextual grammar and writing.

Limited association

The survey noted that English does not have a rich linguistic environment like Kannada. Especially in rural areas, children do not hear English words outside the classroom. As a result, children do not have the opportunity to engage in listening, responding and speaking. Homework is done mechanically. “Because of these limitations, the children only acquired the skill of giving one-word responses, but did not construct separate sentences,” the report said.

Children lack confidence when speaking because they don’t benefit from everyday conversation, a survey report says.

Writing and limited vocabulary

Students find it difficult to identify common objects in a picture and express them in writing. They read texts but do not understand what they read. Children are unable to understand context, the report says.

They also find it very difficult to construct meaningful sentences using pronouns, adjectives and relational words. This is because grammar is taught in isolation in the classroom, not through contextual use.

“Language teaching cannot succeed simply by changing the teaching method. This study clearly shows that providing education in the mother tongue is the best model,” said Purushottama Bilimale, KDA chairman. A solid foundation in the mother tongue develops a child’s understanding, social awareness and self-confidence, Mr Bilimale added.

Key recommendations:

To strengthen Kannada as a medium in the primary years up to class 5.

Introduce English as a second language in phases.

Reform of language pedagogy of Kannada and English.

Strengthen teacher evaluation and academic support.

Strengthen the role of the Ministry of State Pedagogical Research and Training.

Published – 27 Oct 2026 22:43 IST