Hallo

  In my Free English Lessons section on this website, I commented on the declining standard of English here. I said that the true English-speaking generation of students, which grew up in the seventies, and have become English teachers are now in their forties. These are the ones who are proficient in English. I also commented that students who have had the privilege of learning from these teachers picked up good English skills.

  Today's column serves to highlight the fact that many of today's teachers under 40 years old are deficient in their English skills.

  Some of you know that I am a relief English teacher in a secondary school here. Well, just two weeks ago, while I was expounding the use of in the chair to a secondary three express class in a school in Hougang, some students laughed at my use of in the chair instead of on the chair. These students were adamant that I was not qualified to teach English since I had used in the chair. To them, that usage was 100-per-cent wrong.

  A few went as far as seeking confirmation from their permanent English teacher that I had made a mistake, in the hope that their teacher would back them in ridiculing my English skills. They expected their teacher to agree with them and they were very happy when their English teacher supported their stand. Their English teacher is in her early thirties, by the way.

  So, armed with her reply, these students confronted me the next time I went into their class. They reiterated that the use of in the chair was totally wrong and only on the chair was correct since their teacher had said so. I brought up this matter with another English teacher who is in his fifties. He agreed with my use of in the chair without hesitation.

  What I wish to say is this. Students nowadays are taught by English teachers who were students of teachers accustomed to using Mandarin at school and at home, unlike the early post-independence English teachers. Such teachers acquired less-than-perfect English skills and therefore could only transfer even worse English skills to those under their charge. Therefore, the standard of English here in Singapore gets worse progressively because each new batch of students gets taught by teachers who picked up progressively worse English skills.

  Coming back to my story, these students were happy to announce to me, in a defiant tone, that I was wrong, effectively telling me that I shouldn't be teaching English since I was teaching them the wrong things. I promised them I would bring proof that I was correct. I didn't want them to get away with having the wrong ideas. Then, I remembered that they had an English textbook with them, so, I flipped through the pages from start to finish. I found instances of the use of in the chair on pages 51, 53 and 112 (2002 textbook).

  When I showed the pages to them, they were speechless. I had proven them wrong. At the same time, I had also proven their English teacher wrong. Since that day, I have had no trouble from these students, and I believe I have created doubts in them about the skills of their regular English teacher.

  Incidentally, I also checked the Collins Cobuild English Usage on the use of in the chair and here is their answer. We use in the chair when the chair is comfortable. Also, we use in the armchair exclusively.

  What I wish to say is this - nowadays students, rather blindly, digest what their teachers say. They debunk the knowledge of teachers who they know are not their permanent teachers. This habit leads them to being complacent, as they do not get a chance to open their minds.

  Also, the whole episode goes to prove what I have said earlier - that in Singapore new batches of students being taught by less proficient English teachers acquire a lower level of English skills and in turn become less-skilled English teachers.