Kathmandu. The British Council has released a new global concept paper on language responsive education systems, with the aim of promoting more inclusive, equitable and effective education that reflects the linguistic realities of students. The concept paper presents the institution’s perspective on linguistic policy and practice in education and emphasizes the importance of linguistic diversity and timely and context-appropriate decision-making process by acknowledging the changing dimension of the English language and its complexity worldwide.

According to many education systems in different countries of the world, students are studying in a multilingual environment, but the language used in school may be different from the language spoken in their family.

While the English language plays a vital role in education, international mobility, migration and opportunity, the British Council believes that a uniform linguistic model is not appropriate for all countries.

In such a situation, the British Council has taken a time- and context-appropriate and evidence-based approach. Local policy makers and education stakeholders can make decisions about language for teaching and learning taking into account their historical, economic, political and social realities.

At the heart of the British Council’s vision is a language-responsive education system. As a result, such an education system can accept language as the main basis of learning in the educational structure and its various aspects. The concept paper also mentions policy formulation, development of curriculum and curriculum, teaching methodology, learning materials, evaluation methodology, teacher training and teaching process.

The concept paper has realized the fact that any successful language policy is not just a question of making a certain language a medium of instruction. Instead, the effectiveness of any approach depends on whether the educational system can create an environment for learning to succeed. In fact, how effectively the education system supports and promotes learning is important.

In countries and communities where English has been adopted as the language of teaching and learning, it is very important to ensure effective teaching through the use of the English language, as well as to develop linguistic skills to make the curriculum easier for students to understand and to build a strong foundation of the language (mother tongue) familiar to them.

In the language appropriate teaching and learning system, the provision of skilled teachers as well as the easily available teaching materials and the evaluation system prepared keeping in mind the development of language proficiency should be implemented.

The concept paper of the British Council has been prepared after reviewing and studying research on the teaching and learning of the English language in various education systems. The review has concluded that learning achievement also differs on the basis of the linguistic efficiency of the teacher, the effectiveness of the educational system and the linguistic policy of the particular country.

Considering the fact that the teaching and learning of English medium without adequate preparation can pose risks, the committee has stressed the need for proper investment in long-term planning, teacher development and resources for positive learning achievement.

Launching the concept paper, Michael Connolly, Director for English and School Education, British Council, said: “Language is a key component of any learning, and when an education system works by accepting the linguistic reality of students, only then will classrooms be more inclusive and conducive to learning. Our concept demonstrates the importance of evidence-based decision-making and systemic planning, so that language policy can help without hindering student success. ‘

The British Council aims to encourage policymakers and all stakeholders in education to adopt a responsive approach to language, with the aim of helping to implement education policies and practices that improve learning achievement and make it more accessible to all students.

The British Council’s new concept paper and the findings of the research and detailed study that preceded its preparation will be a useful resource for the Ministry of Education, education stakeholders, and international partners to formulate an inclusive and effective language policy in education.

To view the concept paper: Inclusive Language Policy in Education: Evidence and Practice | Teaching English | British Council