CALL as a tool in teaching EFL in Pakistani religious institutes (Madaris): A survey of issues and challenges

Abstract

The present research intends to explore the issues and challenges faced by Teachers for using CALL in the teaching of English to the students in Pakistani Madaris. The study was quantitative, based on descriptive survey design. The questionnaire was constructed using the Five Points Lickert Scale and data were collected from 150 Madrissa teachers currently teaching to the students in Madaris in Punjab, Pakistan. The collected data were analyzed on SPSS through descriptive analysis of the responses. The findings of the results reveal that teachers in Madrissa face various issues and challenges like non-availability of the computers and laptops, shortage of electricity, no pre-induction training, theoretical based course work, lack of interest from the old teachers towards learning or using computers, insufficient time for CALL USE implementation. Besides, many female teachers who cannot operate a computer, they have to do domestic duties and resultantly they cannot afford extra time for learning computers. If computers are available, the shortage of electricity causes great hurdle as there is no alternative. The study concludes that without overcoming these issues, inculcating the use of CALL is impossible in Pakistani Madaris. Hence, the policy makers, stakeholders and administrative staff should target these issues so that the advantages of CALL in teaching English may be provided to EFL students in Pakistani Madaris.