PROPOSAL

Proposal

Proposal

Nature of the problem

In the present age of globalization almost every job in Educators requires some level of English proficiency. Many jobs require that the potential employees have a high level of English proficiency in both writing and speaking. In addition it is often desirable to have an understanding of the culture behind the language and the context of the words. Globalization has presented the student with the challenge of effectively writing and speaking English in an international business setting. Students in many cases start learning English as a foreign language at the elementary level. (Boxer? 1995? 44-58) Yet? despite the requirements of the job market? there are no standardized tests within the school system to determine the English language proficiency of the student. This extends to the university level where students are not evaluated on their writing and speaking skills. The test readily available for students is the Junior Test of the English Language for International Communications (TOEIC). The TOEIC is a test of English language proficiency used to establish a set of standards for workplace reading? writing? and speaking. It has been called? ``The global standard for measuring English language skills for business." It is used to establish workplace English writing skills and spoken English proficiency for nonnative students. It is administered at the elementary to middle school level. (Boxer? 1995? 44-58)

The CSAT (the Scholastic Aptitude Test) is the college entrance exam and is required for all those seeking to enter a University. Along with the TOEIC? the test scores are used by many companies to evaluate potential employees' English ability. In fairness? in recent times an optional speaking test is now offered by TOEIC. However? despite the awareness among all concerned educators and employers that the major requirements for most jobs is a high level of proficiency in writing and speaking English? there are no comprehensive teaching and testing programs available to all students. (Brown? 1987? )

Students skip class? and when they do show up it's likely due to fear of failure more than anything else. They may lack any semblance of attention during class? chatting with classmates? doodling in their note books or? (gasp!) in their textbooks. What experienced English or other foreign language teaching professional hasn't faced the problem of reluctant? unmotivated learners? One key to increasing motivation is to use activities matched to the personalities? learning styles and characteristics of the learners as often as practically possible. You know the old adage? "you can never be too rich? too thin or have enough English or foreign language vocabulary. So what can you do when charged with teaching English or a foreign language in only one or two hours per week? One of the only times that was ever successfully accomplished was with the pouring out of Holy Spirit on the apostles during Pentecost. (Acts 2:1 - 11) Add too little time to a decided lack of resources and virtually zero other resources in many third-world classrooms and you have a critical teaching / learning ...