Identifying and Overcoming Challenges of Teaching English as Foreign Language in Sri Lankan Universities: A Case Study

Abstract

This paper is based on an on-going case study that is being conducted during the course of a year with students who are learning English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in Sri Lanka. The four foreign students who are participants of the case study are currently following a course in English, which consists of the basic components of reading, writing, speaking, listening and grammar at the English Language Teaching Unit, (ELTU), University of Kelaniya. The researcher is aware that these language learners often find it somewhat difficult when it comes to learning EFL in a foreign environment. This research attempts to identify and explore these diverse issues faced by language learners. The research is based on the premise that the classroom instructor who teaches EFL may often come across disparities that exist between his/her goals and the student’s expectations. Therefore, the research paper addresses the question as to what issues may arise as a result of these disparities when teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) and in turn seeks to overcome the challenges faced in this area in Sri Lankan Universities. The broader objective of this research is to identify and address these issues in order to improve the quality of TEFL in Sri Lankan Universities. The researcher/ classroom instructor attempts to respond to varied problems that range from issues concerning language acquisition to motivational factors. This case study is both qualitative and descriptive as it seeks to address the research problem through in-depth interviews, extensive discussions and observations. The situation of TEFL is unusual in Sri Lankan universities which are generally focused on TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language).