Current issues in English language education in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

There has been a considerable debate about English education programs
in Saudi schools and colleges in recent years. The role of educational
institutions in preparing students for the world of work, much of it in
English, has come to be recognized. The introduction of English as a
subject in the elementary stage of the Saudi school system in 2004/5 is
another sign of its growing importance. Perception of the need for English,
however, has not always been matched by satisfactory educational
outcomes. Currently there is an ongoing nationwide debate about the
low proficiency level in English among secondary school graduates.
the inadequate number of well-trained teachers of English, and
inappropriate materials and pedagogy. This paper revisits these concerns
with a view to providing insights for the improvement of English
education programs in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that policy makers,
administrators and educators constantly seek.