The Best Place to Learn English?

One of the major difficulties faced by our employed educated youth in the Government sector and in the Private Sector today is the lack of confidence in the use of English Language in their day to day activities. University of Colombo rightly realizing this issue, several years ago came to the assistance of this category of youth by establishing a s e parate unit, The Extension Courses in English, under the supervision of the Department of English. During the past decades this unit has helped a large number of employed youth from various levels such as executive and middle level management and unemployed youth to be successful in their career opportunities.

The main focus in these programmes is to develop the confidence towards effective communication. Various activities have been included in the programmes to improve the standards of skills in reading writing, listening and speech. The lesson materials constantly revised and updated by the English Department and audio- visual aids are designed to cater the modern day demands.

At present there are three Diploma Courses conducted by the Extension Courses Unit. Diploma in English for Administrat ive and Academic Purposes is designed to meet the demands of administration, research and academic purposes which reinforce advanced professional skills in English to present administrat ive reports, academic and legal documents etc.

The Diploma Course for teachers of English is aimed at improving the performance levels of teachers who want to achieve competence in English Language Teaching. In addition to the above there is another Diploma course for English medium teachers who teach all subjects at primary and secondary levels in both government and private schools. It is designed to cater the needs of teachers who have a good knowledge in subject matter but not competent enough to impart their knowledge in English medium. The participants of this course are provided with ample opportunities to practice the necessary methodology and skills in a class room where their colleagues simulate as students.

The courses are conducted by well experienced and qualified resourceful personnel. The basis of evaluation consist of Continuous Assessments and a Final Examination with components of reading, writing, listening and speech. The courses are well accepted by the students who have already followed and are following at present.

he Diploma Course

for teachers of English is aimed at

improving the performance levels of teachers who want to achieve competence in English Language

Teaching