Scholars insist on imparting writing skills

Kohima, Feb. 10 (EMN): Scholars have voiced unanimity in their pronouncement that writing skill is a prerequisite for the overall development of students. This was made known during a workshop on challenges and issues of ‘Teaching writing at the undergraduate level in Nagaland’ held at Baptist College, Kohima, on February 10.

The keynote speaker Dr. Jano Sekhose, associate professor, department of English, Nagaland University, felt that textbook language has been so stressed upon in schools and colleges thereby leaving limited room for good students to expand themselves. She strongly felt that writing skills is important and necessary for the overall development of the students.

Dr. Rükulü K Puro, founder and chief instructor, CUE Academy of Writing Skills, has termed writing as a challenging task. He observed that written assignment has always been stressful for students as reflected in their given assignment.

English writing skills are overlooked by colleges said Dr. Avinuo Kire, assistant professor, department of English, Kohima College. She has attributed poor foundation and lacked of quality education in high school for which students failed to express their views even on basic writing skills such as letter and essay writings.

She has suggested regular conduct of exercise in language to help the students. Kire also said various literature activities such as workshop and encouraging the students to speak English for communication would help them.

Dr. Seyie Whiso, assistant professor, department of English, Kohima Science College, while speaking during the panel discussion, maintained that students should do a lot of research and called upon on the need for research orientation for students to learn. He also suggested that procedural syllabus would help the students to learn more.

Dr. Vizovonuo Elizabeth, HoD, department of English, Baptist College Kohima and moderator, remarked that teachers failed to concentrate on a particular topic due to time constraint from the way syllabus are designed. She also suggested giving preference to writing skills in order to help students for overall development.

The one-workshop was organised by CUE Academy of writing skills, hosted by Baptist College Kohima, and supported by State Council of Education Research and Training, Nagaland.

Book on creative writing released

Dr. Jano Sekhose, associate professor, department of English, Nagaland University, has officially launched a second CUE workbook titled ‘‘Introduction to academic and creative writing,’ a study skill support workbook based on the BA English syllabus, Nagaland University, authored by Dr. Rükulü K Puro, founder and chief instructor of CUE Academy of Writing Skills, at Baptist College Kohima on February 10.

In a prelude to the book, Sekhose wrote that he had made timely intervention to promote language skills in a meaningful context and interesting format. The author has recognised writing as a skill that needs to be given more attention in the classrooms, especially in the undergraduate and higher education courses.

The workbook is an introductory course for both academic and creative writing and the tasks and activities have been adapted within the context of the students’ experience and interest.