The Keynote Elements for Students’ Progress in English Department of UNISMA

In the education point of view, globalization is clearly believed as the basic measurement of how educators are obligated to educate and facilitate their students. Their educating method and materials are --let’s say-- almost totally influencing the students’ ability to compete with thousands of well-educated people in the world wide, recently. Students are challenged to master English in which it is recognized as the international language. By this case, the writer, therefore, try to analyze briefly whether or not Malang Islamic University (UNISMA), exactly English Department of Faculty of Teacher Training and Education is qualified enough to facilitate and educate students for the global challenges.

The writer, of course, does not forget to explain shortly about what English Department of UNISMA is. English department is one of three departments existing in the faculty of teacher training and education (FKIP) of UNISMA. This department is fully educating students with English-based learning system. Students are taught how to communicate fluently and to write academically in English. Besides, they are also educated to be the future educator, translator, and even tourist guide. The writer believes that English Department of UNISMA must have some elements to facilitate and to improve students’ English skills efficiently for their better education. Let’s now take a look at two elements used to assist the English Department students in improving their English skills; they are English rooms and student association.

The most influential element used by English Department to improve the students’ English skills is the English rooms. The first English room is called SAC (Self Access Centre) which is used to spoil students with many English books, Language laboratory, Room Theater, and many other English-based facilities. In this room, students are obligated to speak English completely. “No English, No Service” is the quote addressed to those who enter to the room. Another English room is called Micro Teaching. As its name, this room is to facilitate students to improve their English teaching skill. Students can absolutely practice the English teaching methodologies in this room since it is completed with many teaching equipments. Thereby, both SAC and Micro Teaching room have purpose to educate students efficiently.

Student association is the second important element existing in English Department. This association is named English Student Association (ESA). The reason why the writer emphasizes that this association is important element to develop students’ English skill is because students can automatically learn how to be a good organizer of English activities. Moreover, students also have chances to practice their English with the native speakers since this association is guided by them. Another positive point of the existence of ESA is to boost students’ critical thinking toward political, economical, and other general cases as it provides English Debate Community and English Day. By those reasons, we cannot deny that students will be able to improve their English skills in English Student Association.

Based on this article, it can be briefly stated that the existence of both English rooms and student association in English Department of UNISMA can assist students’ English skills progress. Facilities and advantages are addressed to the students efficiently. Thus, students are confidence enough to face the global challenges with their English skills and critical thinking.

                                                                                                Written by Laili Nurilliya

                                                                                                Malang, 27^th of May 2013