Towards a new approach in the teaching of English in Maltese primary schools with special reference to Year 5 and Year 6

Abstract

This dissertation focuses on the communicative approaches to the teaching of English as a second language with particular reference to Year 5 and Year 6 in Maltese Primary Schools. Part One of the dissertation examines the theoretical perspective which motivate the implementation of such an approach. Chapter One deals with the linguistic background while Chapter Two traces the development of this linguistic background into the more methodologic concerns of syllabus designs. In Part Two of the dissertation, the local situation vis a vis the communicative approaches to the teaching of English is examined. Chapter three examines aspects, present teaching of English in Year 5 and Year 6 of Maltese Primary Schools, with particular reference to teachers' attitudes. Chapter four analyses the present guidelines to the teaching of English in Primary Schools issued by the Department of Education. In Part Three of the dissertation various recommendations are put forward as alternatives to the present system and as a basis for the implementation of a communicative approach to Maltese Primary Schools.