ROLE OF ENVIRONMENT & INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES IN PROMOTING ENGLISH LANGUAGE SKILLS OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Abstract

The study was conducted to examine the role of environment & instructional strategies in enhancing the English language skills i.e., reading, listening, writing and speaking skills among students in higher secondary schools in the Southern Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The population of this qualitative study constitutes both male and female principals of public sector higher secondary schools. A total of 32 principals, consisting of two males and two females from each district, were selected through convenient sampling technique for in-depth interviews. A semi-structured interview was conducted to explore effect of environment and instructional strategies that influence English language skills. The study reveals that environment is loud and overcrowded and outdated teaching methods are used in public sector schools. Study concludes that a supportive environment and relevant instructional strategies are vital to enhancing students' language skills. The study stresses the need to foster a culture of ongoing improvement in English books, ensuring sustained continuous professional development of teachers’ English language education. Interview results were abridged as narrative summary.