Polish system of teaching languages

[kociamama]

I just thought that the entire Polish system of teaching English and
langauges in general sucks.
People tend to overly appreciate Cambridge exams, and treating these as the
only motivation and objective to achieve. Abroad people don't usually take
those exams, yet they manage to develop language skills at a good level
which let them communicate effectively. Let's take Scandinavians or the
Dutch. At least they are able to communicate, but usually they can actually
converse without problems, express their opinion so that they get the
message across, and normally some accent (mainly American) can be identified.

While in Poland although people can show the required certificate (even
Proficiency) they underestimate the significance of speaking. We are quick
to read, expand vocabulary passively, solve grammar exercises correctly and
understand the listening comprehension. However, when it comes to watching
movies and striking up a conversation problems arise. Suddenly we become
reticent for fear that we might come out with something incomprehensible.
Most people are embarrassed to produce the right sounds in English and
prefer to speak Polish English with strong Polish r and not paying attention
to vowels.

At school transformations are mastered, the importance of learning future
perfect continuous or third conditonal is emphasized. After graduating
highschool most students know that we should add -s to the verb for 3rd
person singular i present simple, but they cannot answer a question like how
are ya doing?

Therefore, I strongly urge all the students and teachers to give up this
fascination with Cambridge exams and concentrate on really vital issues.
Such as teachin/learning to spak, take part in a discussion and convey your
point of view effectively, be able to write an email in an appropariate
style, understand real language (e.g spoken in movies)

That was long...

Later,
Kociamama.