The teaching of English in Maltese state primary schools

Abstract

Prior to the arrival of the British in Malta English was practically unknown on the Island. During the following two centuries the importance of English progressively increased until it evolved into Malta's second official language. Today the importance that a knowledge of English plays in the life of the Maltese is so great that a high standard in the teaching of the English language is a must. This dissertation investigates the teaching of English in Maltese State primary schools. The author briefly reviews the establishment and development of the teaching of the English Language in the Maltese Islands; discusses some of the language teaching methods/approaches used: explores teachers' and Heads'/Assistant Heads' beliefs and attitudes towards the teaching of English; and uses these findings in order to make recommendations which might help to improve the teaching situation of the English language in Maltese State primary schools.