Chinese military urged to reform English teaching methods
Three leading instructors at the Early Warning Academy of the PLA Air Force have stated that the current approach to English language teaching in Chinese military institutions is outdated. It fails to equip personnel with the skills required for international operations, ranging from UN peacekeeping missions to joint exercises and diplomatic negotiations.
Source SCMP
According to a February issue of the Military-to-Civilian in China journal, practical lessons in listening, speaking, and translation make up less than 20% of the curriculum, while reading technical documents accounts for up to 60% in some courses. As a result, graduates possess strong terminological knowledge but struggle with speaking fluently, writing reports, and discussing technical issues.
Military experts emphasize that modernizing English teaching methods is vital to enhancing the effectiveness of China’s armed forces in future international cooperation.