A FUNCTIONAL APPROACH TO TEACHING ENGLISH IN BAHRAINI TECHNICAL SCHOOLS
| Author | DHAIF, H.A.A | |
|---|---|---|
| metadata.dc.contributor.department | University of London, Institute of Education, | |
| metadata.dc.date.accessioned | 2026-09-20T15:50:43Z | |
| Publication date | 1977 | |
| Degree level | Master | |
| Abstract | Abstract : Since the introduction of City and Guilds courses in Basic Engineering Trade Subjects in Bahraini technical schools in 1968, the English language took on a different role in technical education. English used to be taught as a foreign language, as in any other section of the educational system, but now technology is taught through the medium of English, mostly by British teachers. Thus, proficiency in the English language has become a necessity for passing technology examinations conducted in English. This was matched by the growing demand for English in the labor market due to the rapid expansion in commercial and industrial enterprises in Bahrain and the establishment of stronger links with international trade and industry. Despite this change in the role of English language in technical schools, approaches to language teaching have remained unchanged. It is true that new textbooks with more relevant content have been introduced, but unfortunately these books are, like their predecessors, based on a structural approach to language teaching. This approach is, in my opinion, incapable of serving the needs of the technical student to use the language for certain communicative functions in technical contexts, and therefore, it is ineffective in developing the student's communicative competence. The aim of this paper is to study the current situation of English language in Bahraini technical schools and to consider both the need for and the possibility of adopting a functional approach to teaching English in these schools. It also attempts to suggest a guideline for a notional syllabus for use in Bahraini technical schools In a study of this nature, consideration of current theories of foreign language teaching and different approaches to syllabus design are inescapable topics. The paper has been divided into four parts: Chapter One: The ELT Situation in Bahraini Technical Schools This chapter provides the background against which this paper is set. It discusses the factors influencing the status of the English language in Bahraini society in general and in the educational system in particular. It also assesses the suitability of the textbooks used in technical schools in relation to their merit in developing students' communicative competence. Chapter Two: Current Approaches to ELT in Bahraini Schools This chapter briefly examines the language teaching theories on which teaching is based in the pre-technical school stages, since entrants to technical schools are the output of those stages. It also explains why a functional approach should be adopted in teaching English to technical students. Chapter Three: Approaches to Syllabus Design This chapter examines three types of syllabuses: structural, situational, and notional, as presented and discussed by David Wilkins. It also discusses some features of ESP as it represents the nature of the English language courses in Bahraini technical schools and the most suitable area for the application of notional syllabuses. Chapter Four: A Suggested Framework for a Notional Syllabus for Teaching English in Bahraini Technical Schools The suggested framework presented in this chapter offers a guideline for the application of the notional approach to constructing English language syllabuses for Bahraini technical schools and examines the main features of the type of language used in these schools, namely technical English. The chapter also discusses different language skills that are related to the needs of a Bahraini technical student and suggests some language activities to meet those needs. In conclusion, I have tried to pinpoint some of the pedagogical difficulties that are related to the implementation of notional syllabuses and the production of teaching materials to match these syllabuses | |
| metadata.dc.identifier.other | Drupal node 4265 | |
| metadata.dc.identifier.other | https://digitalrepository.uob.edu.bh/en/dar/functional-approach-teaching-english-bahraini-technical-schools | |
| metadata.dc.identifier.uri | http://165.227.56.122/handle/123456789/7053 | |
| Language | en | |
| Link | https://digitalrepository.uob.edu.bh/en/_flysystem/fedora/2025-08/001680_a_functional_approach_to_teaching_english_in_bahraini_technical_schools.pdf | |
| Subject | English language--Rhetoric--Study and teaching -- Dissertation | |
| Subject | English language--technical English--Study and teaching--Bahrain--Dissertations | |
| Subject | Technical writing.--study and teaching--Dissertations | |
| Title | A FUNCTIONAL APPROACH TO TEACHING ENGLISH IN BAHRAINI TECHNICAL SCHOOLS | |
| Type | Master's Thesis |
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