Empowering Voices: Building English Confidence in Grade 8 – A Case from Surkhet
At Shree Nepal Rastriya Basic School in Gurbhakot Municipality, Surkhet, English teacher Mr Ganesh Bahadur Bhandari identified a common challenge: his Grade 8 students were hesitant to speak in English. Despite having basic language skills, they lacked the confidence to express themselves, both in the classroom and in front of others.
To better understand the issue, Mr Bhandari carried out a small classroom-based research study under the Action Research Mentoring Scheme for teachers, initiated by the British Council. He used questionnaires, observations, and speaking activities such as self-introductions, group discussions and peer interviews. These helped him explore why students felt shy and how they preferred to learn. He found that fear of making mistakes, limited opportunities for speaking practice, and curriculum pressures were the main barriers. However, students felt more comfortable communicating when working in groups.
Using these insights, Mr Bhandari introduced a series of practical strategies:
- Mixed-ability group work to build peer support and confidence
- Self-introduction templates to help students organise their ideas
- Demonstration sessions to model good speaking practices
- Morning assembly speaking opportunities to strengthen public speaking skills
- Controlled speaking tasks in pairs and small groups to reduce anxiety
These changes led to impressive progress. Students began speaking more frequently and confidently in English. Participation increased, vocabulary improved, and the morning assembly became a positive space for showcasing learning. Their enthusiasm also encouraged younger learners to join in and practise English more actively.
Through reflection, Mr Bhandari noted that creating a supportive and engaging learning environment was key to success. While challenges such as limited time remain, he plans to continue using creative techniques, including storytelling, role-plays, debates, technology tools and peer mentoring. He also aims to involve parents so students can practise speaking at home.
This case illustrates how a thoughtful, student-centred approach can transform language learning. By prioritising confidence-building and collaboration, Mr Bhandari helped his students discover their voices, preparing them for lifelong communication and learning.