English Language Teachers’ Association of India (ELTAI) and edtech venture Glibzter have released a report based on the insights secured from the EdTech for English Proficiency in India Survey 2024.
With the theme of ‘Leveraging immersive mediums for English learning’, the survey aimed to secure insights from English Language Teachers (ELT) across India to assess the effectiveness of immersive modes such as reading, consuming audio-visual media and engaging in conversations to improve English language skills among their students
Appetite for ‘Immersive’ Learning Modes
While immersion in English-speaking environment by listening to and engaging in conversations with native English speakers was considered the most effective way to improve English language skills by 80% respondents, followed by listening to Radio, Podcasts and Audio books in English (79%); reading high quality English textual material in the form of books, newspapers, magazines including their online versions (76%) and watching videos of movies, TV shows, web series, speeches, interviews, news etc. (64%).
Videos and Audio Resources
- The effectiveness of videos increases with text. 82% believe watching videos with English subtitles/ closed captions and listening to audio podcasts and audio books with English transcripts has the potential to improve one’s English proficiency.
- YouTube videos of English learning channels trump English learning apps as the highest recommended knowledge resource by English Language Teaching (ELT) practitioners
- Better contextual understanding by linking situations to word and phrase usage (81%), improved pronunciation (69%) and higher engagement (58%) were the top reasons attributed for the effectiveness.
- 47% of those who did not see merit in immersive modes like videos, said they could become effective learning mediums provided there is a system of learning built into them.
Reading
- 78% respondents recommended reading of news articles and editorials to improve communication skills in English, followed by fiction (70%), articles on social media (56%) and non-fiction (50%)
Listening and Speaking
- AI-powered speech assessment at 44% least preferred immersive mode for Spoken English practice among survey respondents. Peer-to-peer speaking practice (74%) considered most effective followed by practicing with English teachers in-person offline or via virtual meeting platforms.
Speaking about the survey insights on immersive modes of language learning, Varun C Bhagath, Founder and Chief Co-learner, Glibzter, said, “Language learning has and always will be an immersive process. The challenge is to facilitate this learning digitally by building engaging digital tools that can replicate this immersive process. The survey validates our business with 74% ELT practitioners agreeing on the effectiveness of audio-visual content in English and 62% on reading high quality English textual content in building and expanding one’s vocabulary.”
Bhagath adds, “In India, ‘Same Language Subtitling (SLS)’ is being implemented for promoting mass literacy at scale by reading subtitles in popular entertainment content aired via broadcast media. We at Glibzter are taking it a step forward to build a systematic process of learning into it through an AI/ML powered browser extension for English vocabulary building operating on select digital OTT video streaming and online news platforms.”
Emphasizing on the importance of reading, Dr. K Elango, Chief Executive Chair, ELTAI, said, “How we communicate is a direct function of what we read. ELTAI launched the India Reads movement last year to encourage tweens in schools and colleges to practice the habit of reading book-based fiction and non-fiction. The survey reveals a trend of ELT practitioners encouraging students to read news articles and editorials, besides underscoring the effectiveness of audio-visual media resources with subtitles to improve English language skills.”
Dr. Xavier Pradheep Singh, National Secretary, ELTAI, said, “As we embrace new digital resources in our classrooms, we unlock new pathways to reading literacy. By engaging students with digital texts and tools, we create a dynamic learning environment where reading becomes an immersive and enjoyable journey.”
