Teaching English as a foreign language via four language skills

Abstract

Because of its great importance, English is a compulsory second language in all primary and secondary schools and universities in the Republic of Kosovo, whether public or private. It is a separate subject in the relevant document “Curricular Framework of Pre-University Education in the Republic of Kosovo” in the first field of the curriculum: languages and communication, where it is ranked after the mother tongue. Thus, English occupies a particular place compared to other foreign languages, especially in the secondary and university education system. Teaching English as a second language at the gymnasiums aims to develop the student's ability to express themselves correctly and communicate without mistakes, to create the student's ability to speak and write accurately and fluently, to increase the student's capabilities in the fields of reading and listening comprehension, to instill in the student's mind the sense of aesthetics, the appreciation of human values, as well as the moderate use of beautiful and valuable things. While this paper focuses on the four types of English language skills, it will present an accurate picture of the quality of English of gymnasium students in the Republic of Kosovo. This paper will also reveal the causes of some of the problems in this system. Then, we will present specific recommendations for overcoming the obstacles based on this paper's findings and conclusions.