An overview of English Language Education with research scholar Kisungla

“A solid CV that guarantees a well-paying, respectable job when I grow up.” This was a recurring thought for Kisungla Changkiri while growing up. From an early age, she was determined to pursue a career path that aligned with her strengths, and as it turned out, that strength was speaking. With both her maternal grandparents serving as schoolteachers in Changki village, Mokokchung, Kisungla felt a deep conviction that she was destined to carry on the family legacy of teaching.

After graduating as the gold medalist and first rank holder in BA English from Patkai Christian College in 2020, Kisungla went on to pursue her postgraduate studies at the English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU) in Shillong. She is currently continuing her academic journey with doctoral study in English Language Education (ELE) at EFLU, Shillong.

Kisungla’s passion for English is reflected in her academic achievements: She was the subject topper in HSLC Alternative English in 2015 and again in HSSLC English in 2017. Grateful for the path she has been given, she says she is “unapologetically thankful” to be where she is and is determined to make the most of the opportunities before her.

In an interview with Eastern Mirror, the 25-year-old research scholar offers an overview of English Language Education (ELE), English Language Teaching (ELT) for students interested in pursuing this academic path.

For students who are new to the field, could you briefly explain what ELE (ELT) encompasses?

Absolutely! To grasp the basic concept of ELE, you would simply need to pay closer attention to its full abbreviation. ELE stands for “English Language Education” and thus, encompasses all the components involved in educating individuals within the English language realm, by primarily focusing on non-native speakers. It covers various teaching methodologies, curriculum development, discourse analysis and assessment, and understanding of the socio-cultural contexts in which English is learned. Unlike general language teaching, which could include any language, ELT is specifically tailored to English. While linguistics is the scientific study of language, some studies of ELT apply these linguistic principles in practical classroom scenarios aimed at effective teaching and learning.

What according to you are the key skills needed for someone pursuing a course in ELE (ELT)?

You work best by constantly polishing whatever set of skills you already have, but generally, some of the key skills advantageous in ELT include strong communication abilities, networking skills, cultural awareness, pedagogical knowledge, and adaptability. To develop these skills, one could engage in active teaching practice, participate in workshops or online courses, seek feedback from seasoned professionals, and immerse themselves in different cultural settings. Moreover, being reflective about one’s teaching practice can significantly enhance their effectiveness as an educator.

What are the key steps involved in pursuing both a Master’s and a Ph.D. at EFLU?

At EFLU, the process for pursuing a Master’s in any of the three campuses, namely Hyderabad, Shillong and Lucknow, begins with applying for the Master’s programme, where you typically sit for a written entrance test which is CBT-based. Upon completion of the Master’s, students can apply for the Ph.D. programme. The Ph.D. process includes first having to pass a CBT-based entrance test after which candidates undergo an offline interview. At the time of the interview, you are required to show up with your research proposal and ideas, upon which questions are asked. One can skip past the written test if they have cleared the UGC-NET exam in the respective discipline.

How important is it to have practical teaching experience while pursuing a Ph.D.?

Practical teaching experience is vital. It not only enhances the understanding of theoretical concepts but also prepares one for the realities of actual classroom situations, helping them to apply their research in a tangible way. However, those who are looking to pursue Ph.D. in ELE without one shouldn’t undermine themselves. There are plenty of opportunities they could seek along the way, to practice teaching skills even after joining the programme.

Can you discuss possible career paths for graduates (or after completion of Ph.D), both in academia and in the private or public sector?

Sure! In academia, ELE (ELT) graduates can become university faculty, researchers, or curriculum developers. In the private sector, they can work in language schools, become corporates for employee training, or work for publishing companies focusing on educational materials. Public sector roles might include positions in educational policy, assessment development, and program coordination for language education initiatives. The skills acquired in ELE (ELT) are transferable to various fields, making graduates highly versatile. Most of these professions also pay handsomely which is a bonus.

For students interested in pursuing a career in ELE (ELT), what practical steps or experiences would you recommend they focus on during their studies?

I’d recommend participating in language exchange programmes, conferences or workshops in the respective field. If they can get internships or volunteer teaching jobs, that would be great to enhance their skills. Besides these, they should also network and surround themselves with people who share similar interests. And finally, when it comes down to choosing a topic for their Ph.D. study, I hope they pick a topic that best suits their interest and resonates with them. They will be stuck with it for a while, so they need a passion for the subject to help sustain their motivation during the challenging phases of research.

What is the focus of your current research, and why do you think it is important for the field of ELE (ELT)?

My research focuses on the feasibility of using the mother tongue as a scaffold to maximise English learning outcomes in rural Nagaland, by giving special importance to the linguistically minority population. As per the guidelines of the NEP 2020 document which encourages instruction in mother-tongue wherever possible, I hypothesise that even in Nagaland’s multilingual setting, using the mother-tongue can enhance English learning, provided it meets certain criteria. That being said, I believe my study is important as it will contribute to broader discussions on inclusive English Language Education scenarios in Nagaland and similar regions.

Have there been any challenges along the way that shaped your Ph.D. journey?

Absolutely. There have been moments of self-doubt, especially when I started my Ph.D. journey at 23 years of age, right after my Masters. Many people questioned whether I was ready for such a commitment. However, the encouragement from my family and mentors, especially my guide, Dr. Rosy Yumnam, helped me push through those doubts. Having a supportive circle plays a huge part in your mental well-being.

RAPID INSIGHTS

How would you describe your bond with pets?

My favourite hello, and my hardest goodbye

Describe research scholar life in a phrase

 “Jesus, take the wheel”

Favourite time of the day

Dusk, the hour just before nightfall always brings back a flood of childhood memories. It was usually the hour when I would return home from tuition, and my mother would be busy in the kitchen preparing a warm dinner for us. This was also the hour when my father would return home from work and my sisters and I could play together or watch TV freely. It was an hour where the whole family finally got to be together.

The nostalgia of that hour still envelops me here in Shillong and comforts me, which is why I love dusk.