Foreign language proficiency in the modern world is characterized not only as an academic advantage but also as one of the main conditions for social, professional, and cultural integration. Nevertheless, it is often observed that despite years of foreign language education, graduates struggle to use the language at a real communication level and to establish communication. This is because traditional language teaching models primarily focus on explaining grammar rules and completing written assignments, whereas the main function of language is communication. Speaking and listening skills, however, often take a backseat.
It is interesting to consider what steps should be taken and what reforms should be implemented in the education system to systematically form and develop fluent language and communication skills in students from school age until graduation?
In a statement to Modern.az regarding the topic, Fariz Ismayilzade, Deputy Chairman of the Science and Education Committee of the Milli Majlis, noted, based on his experience, that the development of language skills in the current school curriculum is primarily focused on grammar.
“Foreign languages, especially English, are taught predominantly in a grammar-based manner. This further indicates that while students' language skills are primarily built upon grammatical knowledge, other crucial skills—listening, speaking, reading, and analyzing what they read within a text—are not sufficiently developed.”
According to the committee chairman, it is essential to change teaching methodologies to overcome this problem:
“For instance, to develop listening skills in classrooms, the use of audio and audiovisual equipment, including tape recorders, should be expanded, and speakers should be engaged to foster language skills. Furthermore, the participation of native-speaking teachers in lessons can significantly contribute to the development of students' listening and speaking skills, and overall communication abilities. It is precisely with this approach that the effective development of skills based on the practical use of language becomes possible.”
Education expert Ramin Nuraliyev, however, believes that language learning ability undoubtedly requires a certain talent and skill:
“However, the main issue here is not so much the learning of the language, but how it is taught. That is, the decisive factor is the instructor's methodology and teaching ability. Of course, knowing grammar is important, but grammar alone is not enough to learn a language.
Particularly, English speaking skills must be regularly practiced. Without constant speaking, the language does not develop. Otherwise, a person remains in a situation where they know grammar but cannot speak. It is precisely for this reason that in previous years, due to an excessive emphasis on grammar, students' speaking skills were poorly developed. They knew the rules but could not use the language.”
The expert stated that a student with weak listening and speaking skills eventually forgets grammar as well:
“For a language to be truly mastered, it must absolutely be applied in a practical speaking environment. That is, a person who wants to develop a language must communicate with others in that language or watch films in it.
For example, watching films in English, following TV series, and listening to video materials prepared in a foreign language are very effective methods. Numerous programs and video clips that develop speaking skills are available on YouTube and other internet platforms. Regular viewing of these materials significantly enhances speaking ability.”
The expert regretfully noted that insufficient attention is given to speaking practice alongside grammar in both general secondary schools and higher education institutions:
“In most cases, the teaching process is not conducted entirely in English. While there are specializations in universities where the instruction is in English, with the exception of one or two higher education institutions (e.g., ADA, UNEC, and some others), classes are in fact mostly conducted in Azerbaijani.
There are several reasons for this. The first main reason is a shortage of qualified personnel. Although there are specializations with English as the language of instruction, there are not enough professional teachers who can explain the curriculum in English. The second reason is the students' level. Since students come from general secondary schools, they often do not possess the preparatory level required to assimilate specialized courses taught in English.
Consequently, teaching shifts to Azerbaijani because teachers cannot conduct lessons in English, or students cannot understand them. However, the problem is that while lessons are conducted in the native language, exams are presented entirely and at a high level in English. This creates significant difficulties for students and leads to justified dissatisfaction.”
R. Nuraliyev also added that if a higher education institution opens a specialization with English as the language of instruction, it must be comprehensively prepared in terms of teaching staff, material and technical base, laboratories, and teaching methodology:
“Unfortunately, in some state and especially private higher education institutions, this work is carried out incompletely. The same problem is observed in general secondary schools. Students primarily know grammar, but their speaking skills are weak. Therefore, English language teaching must absolutely adapt to include a speaking component. These changes should be implemented at both school and higher education levels.
If students develop speaking skills during their school years, they will not face serious problems at university. However, an excessive focus on grammar relegates the practical use of language to the background, and as a result, learning ability weakens.”
R. Nuraliyev also drew attention to the importance of the opportunity to communicate with foreigners through international platforms for establishing communication:
“Using translation programs for unknown words is no longer a problem. Today, foreign languages are one of the easiest fields to learn through internet resources.
The main issue here is the personal interest and effort shown by the student, applicant, or indeed, any individual. Anyone who puts in a little effort and works consistently can master a foreign language. I believe that success in this field is entirely possible with desire and diligence,” the expert stated.
