ENGLISH LANGUAGE SKILLS NEEDED BY SECRETARIAL STUDENTS IN HIGHER INSTITUTIONS

Project Abstract

Secretarial students in higher institutions require a specific set of English language skills to effectively perform their duties. This research aims to identify and explore the key English language skills needed by secretarial students in higher institutions. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, including surveys and interviews with both students and instructors in the secretarial program. The findings revealed that proficiency in written communication is crucial for secretarial students, as they are often responsible for drafting various business documents such as reports, emails, and letters. Additionally, verbal communication skills were highlighted as essential, as secretaries frequently interact with clients, colleagues, and superiors in person, over the phone, and through video conferencing. Moreover, a good grasp of grammar and vocabulary is necessary to ensure clear and accurate communication in both written and verbal forms. Secretarial students must also possess strong listening skills to accurately understand instructions and messages from others. Furthermore, effective reading comprehension is vital for secretaries to interpret complex information and instructions accurately. In the digital age, secretaries are often required to use various software and platforms to manage appointments, organize documents, and communicate efficiently. Therefore, proficiency in technical English, including the ability to understand and use specialized terminology related to office software and technology, is increasingly important for secretarial students. Furthermore, interpersonal skills such as empathy, tact, and professionalism are crucial for secretaries to build positive relationships with clients and colleagues. These skills are often reflected in the students' ability to use appropriate language and tone in different situations. Overall, the study underscores the multifaceted nature of English language skills required by secretarial students in higher institutions. The findings suggest that a holistic approach to teaching English language skills, including a focus on written and verbal communication, grammar, vocabulary, technical English, and interpersonal skills, is essential to prepare secretarial students for success in their future careers. The results of this research can inform curriculum development and instructional practices in secretarial programs to better equip students with the necessary English language skills for the workplace.

Project Overview

<p> The research work focus on the English language skills needed by secretarial students in Higher Institutions. A case study of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree. The population of this research work comprises the total number of 54 students. The sample of the study consists of 27 students. And researcher use various textbooks and oral interview and a well structured questionnaires were formulated and administered. Four researcher questions were used for this study (i) What are the spelling skill needed by secretariat students? (ii) What are the speaking skills needed by secretarial students? (iii) What are the literary appreciation skills needed by secretarial students? (v) What are the punctuation skills needed by secretarial students? The findings from this research question are (i) no English language spelling skill is too insignificant to influence secretarial students’ prospects (ii) speaking skill is just as important as spelling competences of English language (iii) literary appreciation skill language can contribute significantly to secretarial students’ prospects (iv) many punctuation skill needed by secretarial students. Recommendation were made that English language skill must be introduced into the curriculum of all secretarial and computer related courses. And it was conducted that English language skill is important that even the most insignificant English language skill can unexpectedly turn the table in a negotiation, interview or contest. The four English language skills are indispensable to successful performance of secretarial students.<br><br><br></p>