Challenges of Applying the Teaching Methodology of (CELTA) Productive Skills in a Poor Learning Environment and a Fragile Infrastructure Region of Darfur, Sudan

Abstract

The present study aims at investigating challenges of applying the teaching methodology of (CELTA) productive skills in a poor learning environment and a fragile infrastructure region of Darfur, Sudan. (CELTA) is a teacher training course that consists of 200 guided learning hours including 6 hours of teaching practice and stands for “Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages”. Candidates who apply for the course aim at acquiring the knowledge and the familiarity of the effective teaching principles. However, applying the methodology of such an internationally recognized qualification that addresses the communicative language learning requires intensive usage of some modern teaching materials. Accordingly, its applicability seems extremely challenging in a poor learning environment with a fragile infrastructure similar to the situation of Darfur region. Furthermore, the difficulties of its implementation definitely prevent hundreds of students from learning facilitates and opportunities that are only attainable via courses in which the learners’ needs are highly considered. We can also be certain that through the application of such a course student develops learning speaking and writing skills respectively simply because the course methodology provides a great opportunity of practicing the language compared to the traditional teaching methodologies. In this study the researcher is reflecting on his experience in teaching EFL via utilizing (CLT) techniques in such a way CELTA course is taught. Furthermore, the researcher aims at illustrating the importance of reducing teacher’s (TTT) and increasing the (STT) in EFL classes in Darfur, Sudan. The study also attempts to highlight the role of the private sector and voluntary organizations in promoting the educational process in the region. We can therefore say that the difficulties mentioned above have begun to diminish with the presence of some voluntary organizations such as Malam Darfur Peace and Development.

A qualitative method for data collection and analysis is adapted in which the researcher interviews some EFL instructors who are currently based in KSA and actually happened to CELTA qualification. The interview questions are conducted to examine their experiences on how the methodology of this course is applicable in different contexts. Finally, the study resulted into the following findings:

1. Teaching and learning the (CELTA) productive skills in a poor learning environment is difficult.
2. Still traditional teaching methods is dominating the EFL classes in Darfur, Sudan.
3. Some voluntary organizations regularly contribute to the development of the learning environment in the region of Darfur.