Empowering Vernacular Medium Education: Challenges and Solutions
It is that phase of life which prepares us for life. But, the most important aspect comes when we have to prepare for this phase. College life is full of excitement. During this excitement, a dash of anxiety prevails.
This anxiety of the unknown clouds the young minds. But the most affected are the students from “vernacular medium” – the students who have studied in English medium.
There are many reasons for a student to feel anxious about this new world. The first issue is – the anxiety level of students from the vernacular medium is very high considering that the entire medium of instruction is going to be different from their earlier medium of instruction. There they face the first ghost – English!!!
English has been the most widely used, yet one of the most feared languages. There is a certain amount of hype and expectation attached to this language.
Somehow the concept of intelligence, abilities, and competencies take a backseat and only the competency to communicate in a certain language takes the forefront. Yes, it is true, that communication in English is an essential part of today’s survival kit, the lack of the same does not mean failure.
Students should remember that in the initial days will be difficult to cope with the new language; as the medium of instruction expression and communication is going to be English, one must view this opportunity to prepare for the future. The fear of the language may divert the attention from studies and the student may sulk on the fact that he/she does not know the language.
The way to handle this concern is – to start reading which will help one to increase his /her vocabulary. Read anything that comes your way – from newspapers to novels. This will not only help one to develop language skills but also enhance thinking skills. Verbal expression requires the wings of words, and these words will come from daily reading.
The other aspect is speaking – actual speaking!! One should speak, as it not only makes one understand one’s capacity but also helps one to be confident while speaking. Actual speaking is the remedy to overcome the fear of speaking.
Concentrate on the formation of sentences, tenses, and the pronunciation. Try to avoid using “the”, and “” which unknowingly are used before proper nouns.
Here the student needs to remember one very important thing about thinking patterns. A student from a vernacular medium is used to thinking in that language.
So whenever a question is asked or a concept is explained, immediately the thinking happens in that language and then the translation happens – at times it takes the form of literal translation! So, a student should try to think in the language of the medium of instruction used, in most cases – English. The usage of a good dictionary may be of very good help in finding new words and their application.
Think of English as another language that is used worldwide opening many opportunities. So go ahead and learn the language without feeling distant from it or fear, as the earlier you learn, the better will you be able to grasp it and certainly master it.
Frequently Asked Questions related to the use of Vernacular Medium in education
Q1: What is Vernacular Medium in education?
A1: Vernacular Medium refers to the use of a student’s native or local language as the primary medium of instruction in educational settings. It allows students to learn in their mother tongue or a language they are familiar with.
Q2: Why is Vernacular Medium education important?
A2: Vernacular Medium education is important for several reasons. It enhances understanding, promotes effective learning, preserves cultural heritage, and helps bridge the language gap, especially for students whose first language is not a widely used global language.
Q3: What are the benefits of using Vernacular Medium in schools?
A3: Benefits include improved comprehension, better communication between teachers and students, enhanced cultural identity, increased retention rates, and higher engagement levels among students.
Q4: Does Vernacular Medium education hinder students’ ability to learn global languages?
A4: No, Vernacular Medium education doesn’t hinder the acquisition of global languages. A strong foundation in one’s native language can make it easier for students to learn other languages later on.
Q5: Are there any challenges associated with implementing Vernacular Medium education?
A5: Yes, challenges can include a lack of standardized materials in vernacular languages, the need for teacher training, and concerns about students’ transition to global languages in higher education or the job market.
Q6: Can Vernacular Medium education be implemented alongside global languages in the curriculum?
A6: Yes, many educational systems use a bilingual or multilingual approach, where vernacular languages are used alongside global languages to provide a well-rounded education.
Q7: How can educators support Vernacular Medium education effectively?
A7: Educators can support Vernacular Medium education by developing appropriate teaching materials, receiving training in vernacular language instruction, and promoting the value of native languages in the learning process.
Q8: Is Vernacular Medium education limited to primary or elementary levels?
A8: No, Vernacular Medium education can be implemented at all levels of education, from primary and secondary schools to higher education institutions.
Q9: Are there any successful examples of Vernacular Medium education around the world?
A9: Yes, there are successful examples in many countries where Vernacular Medium education has improved educational outcomes and preserved cultural diversity.
Q10: How can policymakers promote Vernacular Medium education within their education systems?
A10: Policymakers can promote Vernacular Medium education by allocating resources, creating supportive policies, and collaborating with educators and communities to implement effective language programs.