The majority of Ukrainian teachers who teach English possess a high level of proficiency in the language, according to a study conducted in August 2023 as part of the national language program Future Perfect. The aim of the study was to assess the abilities, determine the educational needs of English teachers, and develop a plan to improve the quality of English language teaching in educational institutions.
"This study on the proficiency level of Ukrainian teachers in the English language and the use of digital technologies in teaching is one of the first steps towards implementing the national language program Future Perfect. Teachers and educators are not only guides to the world of knowledge. They have repeatedly demonstrated and continue to demonstrate their resilience, competence, and ability to teach even in shelters during rocket attacks. From now on, teachers are also ambassadors of change," noted Valeriya Ionan, the Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine for European Integration.
In the study, 224 English teachers from across Ukraine participated, and the key results encompass four English language proficiency skills:
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Listening: 17.9% of surveyed teachers have a level C; 44.9% have a level B2; 31.3% have a level B1, and 5.9% have a level A.
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Reading: 41.5% of surveyed teachers have a level B2; 35.2% have a level B1; 17.9% have a level C, and 5.3% have a level A.
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Writing: 29.4% of surveyed teachers have a level B2; 10% have a level C; 6.7% of teachers have a level A, and 54% have a level B1.
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Speaking: 54.3% of surveyed teachers have a level B1; 31.6% have a level B2; 13.8% have a level C, and 0.4% have a level A.
"Educational policy should be based on data, and this research provides them. Now we know the strengths of English teachers and see areas for growth. Going forward, we will work with partners to develop specific solutions to improve English teaching in our schools," commented Andriy Stashkiv, Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine.
63% of English teachers believe that the best age to start learning the language is before five years old, while 34% lean towards the optimal age of 6-10 years.
The study demonstrated predominantly high levels of English language proficiency: 90% of English teachers have a level B2 or higher on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages scale. This forms a solid foundation for achieving the goals of the Future Perfect language program.
34% of English teachers reported teaching the language exclusively in an online format at the time of the survey.
56% of English teachers believe that online learning can be as effective as offline. This is particularly important in the context of full-scale war, as online learning allows the educational process to continue despite the challenges of wartime.
"Despite Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, English teachers have remained extraordinarily committed to their cause. They believe that focusing on the quality education of their students is the path to a bright future. This English language study for educators, conducted by the British Council with the support of the Ministry of Digital Transformation and the Ministry of Education and Science, is another step toward this bright future," explained Scott MacDonald, Executive Director of the British Council.
95% of surveyed English teachers noted that they are comfortable using technology during online English language teaching. However, only 80% believe that their students have sufficient access to digital technologies.
