How To Improve Our Kids’ English In This Social Media World
Students are using “LOL” in oral, and writing essays like a TikTok video
With increased screen time, social media usage and changes in reading habits, our language proficiency has declined overall. Lily Chew, founder of English tuition centre Lil’ but Mighty and a mother of four, offers her take on the reasons for the decline, and what we can do to turn things around for our children in particular.
In a recent study, Singapore’s adult literacy proficiency was found to be below the OECD average, a sobering statistic for a nation that prides itself on being a global hub. As an English educator and mother of four kids aged 10, eight, six and one, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges contributing to this issue. The erosion of English proficiency starts early and often extends into adulthood, affecting both academic success and professional communication.
Through my interactions with students, the most obvious struggles they have are in expressing themselves confidently and articulating their ideas with clarity, be it in a formal classroom setting or in a more social context. Poor grammar usage, limited vocabulary and difficulty in organising ideas logically in writing are areas which I find to be a concern.
Let me share some examples I’ve encountered, possible reasons behind the decline in English proficiency, and what we can do to turn things around for our children in particular.
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Examples of poor English usage
- "LOL" in an oral test: During a holiday workshop, a student used “LOL” in response to an oral test question. When I asked if he could improve his language, he did not recognise why “LOL” was inappropriate in a formal setting. This highlights the need for students to master code-switching: understanding when informal expressions are acceptable and when standard English is required.
- Essay written like a TikTok video: A student’s composition was structured like a TikTok video, with disjointed sequences and logic gaps. While this style may work visually, it doesn’t translate well to written storytelling. Students must learn to differentiate storytelling methods across platforms, recognising that clarity and coherence are essential in writing.
- Inaccurate use of “look forward to”: One of the common mistakes seen in emails or messages involves the way in which “look forward to” is used. Instead of “we look forward to seeing you”, many young adults and adults end up using “we look forward to see you”. This is troubling, especially when this is a phrase that is often used in formal contexts but is grammatically inaccurate.
- “Thx” in work emails: A peer shared how her young colleague used abbreviations like “k” and “thx” in work emails, even when communicating with superiors. While such shorthand might be acceptable in casual chats, it is unprofessional in formal correspondence.
- “Read finish” this article: The use of “do finish” or any other verbs with the word “finish” such as “read finish” is often used to indicate the completion of an action in speech and even in writing. However, “finish” is a complete verb and instead of saying “I will do finish my homework”, students should be using “I will finish my homework”.
Why is English proficiency declining?
Increased screen time
Children are spending more time on devices and consuming social media content, which often prioritises brevity over grammatical accuracy. This exposure can lead to poor language habits, such as limited vocabulary and improper grammar. Furthermore, increased screen time often comes at the expense of reading books, limiting their exposure to rich vocabulary and proper sentence structures.
Changes in reading habits
Reading, once a cornerstone of language development, is now competing with digital distractions. The lack of exposure to rich vocabulary and complex sentence structures found in books affects both comprehension and expression. Though some reading apps include animated stories that capture attention, these can become distractions, making the actual text secondary to the visuals.
Social media influence
The conversational tone of social media, coupled with abbreviations and slang, often spills over into formal settings. Without guidance, students may struggle to recognise the boundaries between casual and professional language. This explains why some students may start speaking like the content creators they follow, using a conversational style or abbreviations that they carry over into their formal writing.
What we can do to improve English proficiency
For students
- Practise code-switching
Learn to adapt your language to suit the situation. For example, while “LOL” is fine in casual chats, use phrases like “That’s amusing” in formal settings. Mock scenarios, debates, and presentations are great ways to practise switching between informal and formal English.
- Read widely
Reading fosters imagination, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of language nuances. Balance screen time with reading books – both digital and print. Reading across different genres improves vocabulary, comprehension, and the ability to articulate ideas clearly. It also exposes students to proper sentence structures and diverse writing styles.
For parents
- Create a language-rich environment
Encourage daily reading habits and meaningful conversations at home. For example, ask your child open-ended questions during family discussions to develop their critical thinking and expression skills. Storytelling, debates, or even discussing daily events can go a long way in nurturing their language abilities.
- Supervise online content
Monitor the quality of content your child consumes online and guide them on the differences between casual and formal language. For instance, help them understand why social media slang isn’t suitable for school assignments or professional communication. Small challenges, such as writing a formal email or delivering a short speech, can help reinforce these lessons.
For educators
- Teach storytelling across platforms
Help students understand how storytelling varies depending on the medium. For instance, while brevity and visuals dominate social media, essays require detailed descriptions and logical flow. Educators can conduct exercises like comparing a short TikTok script to a formal essay outline. This helps students understand how tone, structure, and content need to shift depending on the medium. Mock assignments, where students adapt the same story for multiple platforms, are also effective in developing this skill.
- Highlight professional scenarios
Use role-playing exercises to prepare students for real-world situations, such as interviews or presentations. For example, have them practise introducing themselves or answering questions in formal language. These activities not only build confidence but also help them master professional communication.
We can make a difference together
The responsibility to improve English proficiency in Singapore lies with all of us – students, parents, and educators.
As a parent, I am particularly mindful of the language my children are exposed to. I restrict certain types of content and platforms to ensure they’re engaging with appropriate material. I also take the time to educate them about the implications of using AI tools like ChatGPT, particularly when it comes to misusing them, such as relying on ChatGPT to write a composition.
As an educator, I believe it’s not about making English everyone’s favourite subject but about helping them see its value in effective communication. With conversational English and slang becoming the norm, it is understandable that students may undervalue standard English. It is crucial to address this and help our young learners understand the significance of using the language correctly.
By fostering a strong foundation at home, in schools, and within the workplace, we can ensure that the next generation is equipped with the language skills they need to thrive globally. Together, we can build a future where our kids can succeed in any setting, whether it’s a classroom, a workplace, or beyond.