The unsung power of ESL in the TVET world

Malaysia’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system plays a critical role in the nation’s educational landscape, aiming to produce a skilled and competent workforce that meets the demands of a rapidly evolving economy. With industries constantly advancing and the need for specialised skills growing, TVET institutions like UTHM have become pivotal in providing practical and industry-relevant education. However, mastering technical skills is only half the battle in today’s fast-paced, interconnected world. Imagine a brilliant engineer who can design cutting-edge machinery but struggles to communicate his groundbreaking ideas to a global audience. Or consider a talented software developer who misses out on international job opportunities due to language barriers. This is where the often overlooked yet immensely powerful role of English as a Second Language (ESL) in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) comes into play.

First of all, the most important role of ESL in TVET is language skills development and enhancement. ESL instructors are the ones developing and improving their students’ English proficiency, which is crucial for their academic success and future careers in technical fields. The most basic skills that every student needs to develop are the fundamental skills, which are the four core language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. These four skills are non-negotiable as they are considered as must-have skills. Then, we can move on to academic English skills, where the focus is on teaching academic English, which includes specialised vocabulary, grammar, and structures needed for understanding textbooks, writing reports, and giving presentations. Then comes study skills, where we teach effective study skills, such as note-taking, summarising, and critical thinking, which are crucial for understanding and retaining technical content delivered in English. Last but not least, we teach specialised language to our students, in which we introduce students to the specific vocabulary and jargon used in their technical fields, ensuring they can understand and use these terms correctly. This is very important to them as it is one of the many transferable skills that they can definitely use in their fields later.

Secondly, another role of ESL in TVET is developing communication skills, both oral and written. We help students develop their speaking and listening skills, which are essential for participating in class discussions, group projects, and practical sessions. We also train students to present their ideas and projects effectively in English, which is a valuable skill for both academic assessments and future professional situations. Another vital communication skill that ESL instructors teach their students is writing skills. The focus is to enhance students’ abilities to write clear, concise, and well-structured technical reports, research papers, and other academic documents.

Thirdly, as students might have the opportunity to work with people from different nationalities and cultures in the future, it is our responsibility to instil global and cultural understanding in them. Preparing students to interact with peers, instructors, and professionals from different cultural backgrounds is vital, enhancing their ability to work in diverse teams and gaining better opportunities globally. We also need to integrate global perspectives into our lessons, helping students understand the international context of their technical fields and the role of English as a global lingua franca.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of technical education, the integration of English as a Second Language (ESL) within TVET programs stands as a transformative force. By bridging the language gap, we are not only enhancing students’ academic and professional capabilities but also opening doors to global opportunities and collaborations. Malaysia’s commitment to developing a skilled workforce through robust TVET initiatives is commendable, and the inclusion of comprehensive ESL training ensures that our graduates are not just technically proficient but also linguistically empowered. As we continue to advance in this globalised era, the concerted effort between technical skills and language proficiency will be fundamental in shaping a future where Malaysian talent can thrive on both local and international stages. By investing in ESL within TVET, we are truly investing in the limitless potential of our students, preparing them to navigate and excel in the complex, interconnected world of tomorrow.