“Navigating the Landscape of English Language Teaching in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Challenges, Opportunities, and Future Directions”

Abstract

This study evaluates the ELT (English Language Teaching) situation and explores the perceptions and teaching methods of Secondary School teachers in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan. The main objectives of the study were to:
(1) Investigate the academic and professional qualifications, along with the teaching techniques of English language teachers in KPK; (2) Evaluate the conditions under which English is taught in Peshawar (KPK); and (3) Provide a foundation for improving English as a foreign language teaching at the SSC level in KPK. The researcher designed a questionnaire, which was completed by fifty randomly selected teachers. A second questionnaire was distributed among fifty SSC-level students. The data collected through these questionnaires were systematically analyzed. The study concluded that the majority of English language teachers in government schools in Peshawar are well qualified in terms of their academic backgrounds and are experienced. However, their linguistic knowledge needs improvement. Their role in teaching English as a foreign language does not meet the needs of English language learners. The weak areas identified through this research include: Lack of linguistic qualifications and in-service training; Overcrowded classrooms and the absence of language labs; No use of pair or group work in the classroom; Teaching primarily through the conventional Grammar Translation Method (GTM). It is recommended that English language teachers undergo in-service training programs. When inducting new English language teachers, preference should be given to candidates with TEFL or ELT qualifications. English should be taught as a skill rather than just a subject.

Keywords- Navigating, Landscape of English Language Teaching, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Challenges, Opportunities, Future Directions.