| Abstract: |
This study investigates effective methods for enhancing communicative English skills among rural students in the Rampurhat sub-division of Birbhum district, West Bengal, India. Despite English being recognized as an essential skill for educational and professional advancement, rural students in this region face significant challenges in developing communicative competence. Using a mixed-methods approach involving 250 students and 25 teachers from 10 rural schools, this research examined current pedagogical practices, identified key barriers to English acquisition, and implemented targeted interventions over a six-month period. Data collection included classroom observations, proficiency tests, attitude surveys, and interviews. Results revealed that interactive teaching methodologies incorporating local cultural contexts, peer learning strategies, and digital learning resources significantly improved students' communicative competence. Performance improvements were particularly notable in speaking (37.2%) and listening (41.5%) skills. The findings suggest that contextualized language teaching approaches combined with periodic reinforcement activities and parental involvement can effectively address the unique challenges faced by rural learners. This research contributes to developing culturally appropriate English language teaching methodologies for similar socioeconomic contexts. |
