THERE is a bit of good news on the education front. The Philippines climbed to 20 from 22 on the English Language Proficiency Index (ELPI), according to Education First, an international education company specializing in language training, educational tours, cultural exchange and academic programs. The November 2023 survey covered a total of 122 countries.

The Swedish-based ELPI ranks countries by the equity of English language skills among those adults who took the Education First test done online. Last year, 2.2 million adults participated in the survey.

What are the primary conclusions of the report?

Exports per capita, gross national income per capita and innovation all correlate positively with English language proficiency, it said.

Moreover, English language levels are evolving at different rates in different countries, including a few countries with declining English language skills.

Lastly, Europe has the highest proficiency in English, with its good universities schooling its students in more than one language. The Middle East countries scored the lowest.

For 2023, the capital city rankings for the top 10 included Amsterdam, Vienna, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Oslo, Berlin, Sofia, Bern, Tallinn and Helsinki, with scores from 646 to 617 (very high). Manila scored 587, which was considered high.

What can be done to retain or even improve our ranking?

Improving our English language proficiency involves a multifaceted approach that addresses various aspects of language learning.

One way of improving our English language skills is by enhancing the English curriculum in our schools. We need to revise and update the English curriculum in schools to align it with modern language teaching methodologies, focus on practical language skills and integrate language learning with other subjects. The communicative approach should be emphasized, not rote memorization of grammar rules.

We also need to train and hire qualified English teachers proficient in the language and equipped with effective teaching methodologies. Continuous professional development programs can help teachers stay updated with the latest teaching methodologies.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) also offers scholarships at the master's and doctorate levels for public school teachers, state universities and colleges. There have not been enough takers for this scholarship program, so CHEd needs to tweak it a bit to encourage more scholars from our teaching force to enroll.

We also need to implement English immersion programs where students are exposed to English-speaking environments such as English camps, exchange programs and immersion schools. The Department of Education already has an ongoing summer camp for public school students. Perhaps we need to beef up our multimedia library in public schools so students can also watch more English-language documentaries and movies to enhance their language skills.

We are now in the 21st century, with its array of technology tools. We need to use technology to enhance our students' English skills through such methods as online courses, educational apps and interactive learning platforms. This allows the students to practice English in a variety of contexts and at their own pace.

Engaging parents, communities and local organizations is also important. This can take the form of promoting English learning through activities such as the English Club, reading groups, and language internship and exchange programs.

Schools should also focus on speaking and communication, showing that language is a living and breathing thing, not just a set of dead rules. This can be done through activities like lively debates, group discussions, presentations and role-playing.

Reading is also a great way to boost English skills. We can promote a culture of reading by providing access to English-language books, magazines and newspapers in schools, libraries, and communities. Reading helps improve vocabulary, comprehension and overall language proficiency.

Lastly, we should implement regular assessments to track students' progress in English proficiency and provide constructive feedback for them to improve.

English is the language of global commerce and culture. It will be to our peril if we diminish one of the few advantages we have over the rest of the world.