AU outsources English syllabus
Rural Industries Minister Pongalur N. Palanisamy (second right) seen at the launch of the special English programme of Anna University, Coimbatore, and EBEK at the Coimbatore Institute of Technology in Coimbatore on Monday. Vice-Chancellor of the university R. Radhakrishnan (second left) is in the picture. Students belonging to Tamil Nadu have an edge over others because they follow the two language formula instead of three languages. This makes them proficient in Tamil and English, Rural Industries Minister Pongalur N. Palanisamy said here on Monday. Launching the tie-up among Anna University, Coimbatore, EBEK (Excellence Business English Know how) Language Laboratories Pvt. Ltd., and University of Cambridge ESOL examinations, at the Coimbatore Institute of Technology, he said that in earlier days when two language enthusiasts championed its cause, they were ridiculed saying that without the knowledge of Hindi, job aspirants would not be able to earn a living in North India. “But, now our children have broken this myth and are making a mark across the world on the strength of the English language, thanks to the two language formula. When they are able to prove their mettle abroad what is the need for them to prove it in the North? ” he asked.
The Minister was addressing a group of English college teachers attending the five-day faculty orientation programme on communication skills conducted by EBEK. The teachers from affiliated colleges of Anna University, Coimbatore, are getting oriented on the new syllabus and teaching methods of EBEK to be transferred to the students.The outcome of the tie-up was that the university would outsource the entire English subject syllabus from EBEK, with certification by University of Cambridge. All students of the university and its affiliated colleges would follow this syllabus and would be assessed and certified by EBEK. “The teachers would only assist”. A joint certificate of Anna University, Coimbatore, and the University of Cambridge would be given to students.
Appreciating the Vice-Chancellor R. Radhakrishnan on his efforts in giving such a facility to the students, the Minister said that even though the university was new and yet to find a foothold in the city, it was way ahead in its schemes. “The Chief Minister has promised to allot a large area for the university,” he said.According to Mr. Radhakrishnan, such an initiative of outsourcing an entire subject is one of its kind in the country. “When students leave schools and enter colleges, the level of English knowledge they possess is not known. Also English is restricted to classrooms during teaching of a subject. Sometimes even this is not the case. The subject itself is taught in Tamil.
Teachers have to play an important role in doing away with this practise. This orientation will first initiate teachers into the new syllabus. They in turn will assist the students with what they have learnt.”G. Sreekanthan, Chairman and Managing Director of EBEK, said the cost-effective programme would train about 25,000 students of the engineering colleges of the university to facilitate substantial improvement in employability by enhancing their English language communication skills.
