ENGLISH PROFICIENCY OF THE 21st CENTURY LEARNERS IS ENHANCED BY A

CONTEXTUALIZED, LOCALIZED, AND INDIGENIZED ENGLISH CURRICULUM

A problem-solver, a critical thinker, an effective collaborator, an effective

communicator - who is this human being? The 21st century learner! And who's
that? Yes, I am. You are. We are. All of us! Teachers, students, and individuals who
come from different races and cultures.
As there is an increase in global migration, our classrooms will become
increasingly diverse so teachers should adopt culturally responsive teaching
methods. Also with an increasingly globalized society, people who are bilingual
or multi-lingual may have a distinct advantage over those who are monolingual.
During earlier, teachers used to nurture learners with just a book, stored
knowledge, a strict hand, and a loud voice. Students come to class everyday
learning how to read, write, and do mathematics, and they were all taught in
small groups. The lessons were held in different churches, covenants, established
small schools, colleges, and universities. Today? We have everything. Free
education, cars, planes, and instant communication. This world has evolved into
a digital one, altered by ever changing technology, filled with fantastic new
problems as well as exciting new possibilities.
But how did globalization affect the English proficiency of each individual? Right,
it greatly affected. Mother Tongue has come on its way! This is being taught to
everyone from grades one to three and not touching the English subject. How
can one develop his English Proficiency when from the very start it is not given
priority? Through globalization of course! I, you, we, us! All of us can develop and
strengthen our proficiency through discoveries, innovations, and wide-world
communication. Yes, communication throughout the world.

Another breakthrough we have in the 21st century can be found in our very own
classrooms. The use of LCD projectors, computers have given teachers the ability
to relay information easier inside the classroom, from lectures, Powerpoint
Presentations to Prezi, videos, and so much more. Though technology plays an
important role in our education, it is a mere fact that not all is inclined to do such.
As much as possible, educators make use of the available resources they could
have. We are all aware that there are diverse learners inside the classrooms, yet
educators try to do their best to make the most out of the resources that they
have.
As technology will advance and progress more as years pass by, I can't wait to
see new discoveries, inventions, and innovations that will help all individuals in their
learning through life. Education is an important factor in contributing well to the
society and will help in the improvement and rise of our country, our world
whether physically or virtually towards the 21st century and beyond.