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The Issues of Teaching English in Libyan Higher Education

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The Issues of Teaching English in Libyan Higher Education Changing Practices in a Developing Country: The Issues of Teaching English in Libyan Higher Education PhD Thesis Mohamed Abushafa This thesis is submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of Doctor of Philosophy Faculty of Art, Design & Humanities De Montfort University April 2014 i Declaration I, Mohamed Abushafa, declare that the main text of this thesis entitled Changing Practices in a Developing Country: The Issues of Teaching English in Libyan Higher Education is entirely my own work. This work has not been previously submitted wholly or in part for any academic award or qualification other than that for which it is now submitted. i Abstract Libya is a country which is trying to find its place in the international community. It has a mainly youthful population of about 5.6 million with a median age of 24.8 years and large numbers of young people are accessing university courses. This creates a demand for university places which is increasingly difficult to meet. The recent political changes in Libya have compounded these difficulties. This study investigates the challenges of teaching English in Libyan Higher Education as the country prepares its young people for living and working in a global environment where the English language is predominant. The investigation finds that there is recognition of the importance of English, but the level of language skills of students entering university is well below an acceptable standard, and both teachers and students advocate an early start for learning English in schools. Within the universities the curriculum is not consistent and leads to graduates in English having a limited command of the language. Some evidence suggests that students are not motivated to study English and often choose the programme simply as a means of guaranteeing them a job in the future, or because it is at the most convenient location for them. There is a lack of resources and facilities, with large classes and few rooms for teaching, limited internet and communication technology, and little access to libraries. Teachers are not prepared well for their teaching roles nor supported with development activities, and there are few opportunities for teachers or students to practise their English. The thesis makes a number of recommendations including running summer schools in English speaking countries, online courses with native English speakers, and exchange programmes where teachers can benefit from updating their methodology as well as their language skills. Further recommendations are for the Ministry of Education to have overall control of the curriculum, and for the Libyan government to continue its building programme and prioritise access to technology. One year exchange programmes with English speaking countries would enable native English speakers to be available in all university English departments. It is also recommended that students are motivated by providing courses relevant to them, and that more workshops and activities such as competitions and monthly magazines written by students and teachers are used to encourage involvement. ii Acknowledgements This thesis would not have been possible without the help and support of many individuals. My grateful thanks go to my supervisors who have helped me so much and without whom it would not have been possible to complete this work. My first supervisor, Will Curtis, has given me so much of his time and has provided me with his expert and invaluable advice throughout. I deeply appreciate his support. Susan Barwick and David Boydon have always been available to guide me through many of the difficulties I have encountered during my studies; they have believed in me and given me confidence. I could not have had a better supervisory team. I would also like to thank the Libyan people who participated in this research and who were willing to tell me of their experiences. Most of all, I would like to give my special thanks to my father, Alshibani Mohamed Abushafa, who encouraged me to learn and has shown me the value of education. He has always been there supporting me in my life and in my studies, and I could never have completed this research journey without him; he is my inspiration. iii Contents ....................................................................................... i Declaration ............................................................................................................................................... i Abstract ................................................................................................................................................... ii Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................................ iii Contents ................................................................................................................................................. iv Table of Figures ...................................................................................................................................... ix Chapter 1 Introduction to Study .......................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 1 1.2 Statement of the Research Problem ....................................................................................... 1 1.3 Research Aims ......................................................................................................................... 3 1.4 Scope of Study......................................................................................................................... 3 1.5 Significance of the Study ......................................................................................................... 3 1.6 Research Context .................................................................................................................... 4 1.7 Research Design ...................................................................................................................... 4 1.8 Chapter Outline ....................................................................................................................... 5 1.9 Summary and Conclusion ....................................................................................................... 7 Chapter 2 Context ................................................................................................................................ 9 2.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 9 2.2 Background ............................................................................................................................. 9 2.3 The Education System ........................................................................................................... 12 2.4 Changes in Libyan Higher Education ..................................................................................... 14 2.5 Building Programme ............................................................................................................. 17 2.6 Scholarship Programme ........................................................................................................ 18 2.7 English Language ................................................................................................................... 20 2.8 Teaching of English ............................................................................................................... 21 iv 2.9 Summary and Conclusion ..................................................................................................... 25 Chapter 3 Literature Review .............................................................................................................. 26 3.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 26 3.2 Quality Issues in Higher Education in the Arab world .......................................................... 26 3.3 The Role of Teachers ............................................................................................................. 28 3.3.1 The Teacher’s Status ..................................................................................................... 28 3.3.2 The Teacher as Authoritarian Figure ............................................................................. 29 3.3.3 The Teacher’s Influence ................................................................................................ 29 3.4 Student Access to Technology .............................................................................................. 32 3.4.1 Computer Access........................................................................................................... 32 3.4.2 Using Information Communication Technology ........................................................... 34 3.4.3 Accessing Learning ........................................................................................................ 35 3.5 Effects of Growth .................................................................................................................. 37 3.5.1 Foreign Universities .....................................................................................................
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