Feasibility of introducing General English as an university entry requirement for Medicine: results of a national survey

Abstract

The feasibility of introducing General English as an entry requirement for study of Medicine in Sri Lanka was examined through the assessment of General English results at the 2009 and 2010 G.C.E. Advanced Level examinations and through a questionnaire survey administered to principals and General English teachers in 411 type 1AB schools during the period May – June 2011. A significant proportion of students selected for Medicine in the period of study had not passed General English. Student performance was linked to teacher availability, which showed significant regional disparities. Nationally, about one-third of schools did not have enough General English teachers as evaluated by the Principal of the school.