"Pragmatic Learning Activities in English Language in the COVID – 19 Period A Study of Paradigmatic Shift"

Abstract

In our education system, the role of the teacher especially English teacher is pivotal. As English
has become the lingua-franca throughout world, the responsibility of English teachers is increasing
exponentially. It’s high time that English teachers should encourage paradigmatic change in their
teaching as Covid-19 forces everyone attend online classes. Students are learning many new
words, novel themes and latest technologies in this period. Quarantine, isolation, lockdown,
sanitization, social distancing or physical distancing are the buzz words at present. A small child
could understand these words because of their rapid usage or access. Have the kids been enriched
their vocabulary by knowing or listening to those words? Has novel corona made people’s life in
jeopardy? As the sword has two edges, there are some positive things people are noticing in these
lockdown days. People, mainly students want to improve their English language skills in this
period. English teachers notice that it’s the need of the hour to instill interest of learning English
language skills among the students. Teachers and other professionals are advancing their abilities
by attending webinars, online courses, MOOC courses, video conferences, research-oriented
programs, discussions etc. According to a survey, the most searched program is free online courses
and learning English online. As teachers are continuous learners, it is their duty to motivate their
students by showing their upgrading skills and knowledge. Creating natural environment to learn freely, encouraging innovative and action research methods for online classes and making English
class a very useful, productive and entertaining really an onerous task for English teachers. This
study expounds various innovative