Difficulties faced by Undergraduates of Local Universities in reading for their degrees in English medium

Abstract

The difficulty faced by undergraduates reading in English medium is a recurrent issue in Sri Lanka. After one’s tertiary education the next step is occupation. In the present context it is important for everyone to be well versed in English. Even after thirteen years of school education, most of the students have not yet gained the required proficiency in English. Until now the reasons behind this issue and solutions have not been found out. A questionnaire was distributed amongst 40 students of three faculties, including close-ended and open-ended questions in Sinhala and English. During the process of this research many articles were dwelt upon with regard to this topic, which helped in understanding the underlying causes to this impending issue. Focus was also given on the socio-economical background of the students and the methodology of lectures. The data collected from the questionnaire helped in understanding the following; most students in local universities are accustomed to their vernacular language and are unfamiliar with English. It is during lectures that they are taught in English, which many students fail to handle due to their unfamiliarity of the language. As a result many students fail their degree or lose interest in the subject. It was recommended by the students themselves that improved teaching methods must be conducted from their primary education. Language must not be a barrier for education.