A critical study of principles and practice of classroom interaction in English language teaching (ELT) at secondary level in Iraqi schools

Abstract

English language teaching is very important because of the global status of English. English language teaching is a process that requires great efforts on the part of all the participants. Classroom interaction, activities, textbooks are the most important elements of teaching process for the aims and objectives of a course. In view of the importance of English as a foreign language in Iraq, the researcher has examined the existing textbooks and system of teaching English in order to point out the shortcomings which have been hindering the Iraqi students from mastering the English language.The problem can be solved by using new textbooks. The teachers of English should also be equipped with an up-to-date knowledge of English Language Teaching (ELT). OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY The main objective of this study is to help Iraqi students in English Language learning. Other objectives are: 1. To conduct a critical analysis of textbooks and existing system of teaching of English in Iraq. 2. To analyze lassroom interaction and activities. 3. To analyze national examinations DESIGN AND PROCEDURE One hundred representative fifth grade students and twenty teachers of Iraq were selected, using stratified samples and random selection. Four schools in Mosul city were selected as being representative of the socioeconomic structure of the country as a whole, and then equal number of boys and girls were selected. The main data collection instrument was the questionnaire. The student s questionnaire was arranged on multi-option questions pattern and open-ended questions. The teachers questionnaire consisted of: one close- ended question, two open-ended, the rest multiple- choice questions. The responses were obtained from both male and female teachers. The aim of this questionnaire was to collect information about classroom interaction, textbooks and teachers attitude towards ELT in Iraq. newlinePLAN OF STUDY The present thesis is divided into five chapters: Chapter I is about education in Iraq.