TEACHING ENGLISH ON THE BANK OF THE SUTLEJ RIVER: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR ELT TEACHERS IN LODHRAN

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the challenges ELT teachers face in rural areas of District Lodhran and examine potential solutions and opportunities for improving English education in these areas. A quantitative research design was employed, with data collected through a questionnaire adapted specifically for this purpose. The questionnaire's reliability was tested using the Cronbach alpha test. The population for the study included government and private schools from rural areas, with a sample of 60 schools selected from TEF, PEF, private, and government institutions. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 26. The findings highlighted significant challenges for teachers. Students faced issues related to language acquisition, low motivation, limited parental involvement, and inactivity in class. The primary challenges for the teachers included limited IT knowledge, lack of technique expertise, and insufficient training opportunities. Additionally, infrastructural issues like inadequate school buildings and the absence of essential facilities such as computers were major concerns. The findings show that 48.3% of ELT teachers in District Lodhran report a lack of access to professional development and students’ attitude and educational background, while 50% believe educational authorities do not provide enough support. Additionally, 50% of the teachers find large class sizes limiting, and 53.4% acknowledge the shortage of teaching materials as a significant issue. The study concluded that addressing these challenges requires equipping teachers with better skills and training to effectively handle the difficulties of teaching in rural settings. Opportunities exist to enhance ELT through teacher development and better resource allocation. This research offers valuable insights into the complexities of teaching English in rural Lodhran and suggests areas for further study and improvement.