CUK’s language lab emerges as key platform for strengthening English skills among rural students in Karnataka

The Centre for English Language Teaching (CELT) at the Central University of Karnataka (CUK) is emerging as an important platform for improving English language proficiency among students, particularly those from rural backgrounds.

During a visit to the campus on January 8, faculty members Anil Kamble and Sunil Kumar Pandey explained that the CELT functions under the Department of English. It follows a learner-centric and need-based approach, first identifying gaps in students’ language skills and then preparing customised content with emphasis on grammar, vocabulary and core communication skills.

At present, the centre conducts classes in two batches, and gives equal importance to classroom instruction and activity-based learning. Mr. Kamble added that besides teaching grammar, the faculty focuses on interactive methods such as group discussions, interactive sessions, presentations and mock interviews to help students overcome anxiety while speaking in English and also reduce stage fear. Students from all departments in the CUK have enrolled in the centre’s classes to strengthen their English language skills.

The centre offers six-month long-term courses, three-month short-term courses and two-week crash courses, supported by well-equipped language laboratories and smart classrooms.

Explaining the outreach initiatives, Mr. Kamble and Dr. Pandey said that the centre has been frequently visiting schools in rural areas, including Narona and Kadaganchi villages in Aland taluk, and other institutions in Kalaburagi city, where English classes and interaction sessions are conducted for students. They appealed to educational institutions, students and teachers to make use of the centre’s facilities for language learning.