Shifting Paradigms In English Language Teaching: AComparative Study Of Traditional And Digital Approaches In Kerala

This study explores the effectiveness of traditional versus digital approaches to English language teaching in rural colleges of Palakkad, Kerala. Despite India's rich linguistic diversity, English has become a vital medium of instruction, particularly in a globalized job market. Utilizing a Likert-scale questionnaire, the research gathered perceptions from 50 college students regarding their experiences with both teaching methods. The findings reveal that the digital approach, characterized by interactive language labs, significantly enhances student engagement and language proficiency compared to traditional lecture-based methods. Statistical analysis indicated a meaningful difference in the effectiveness of the two approaches, with digital methods receiving a higher mean score. However, the study acknowledges that both methods have their respective advantages and disadvantages. Traditional methods provide structure and direct instructor support, while digital approaches foster active learning and collaboration. The research emphasizes the need for a balanced pedagogical framework that integrates the strengths of both approaches to better equip students with essential English language skills. Ultimately, continuous evaluation and adaptation of teaching methodologies are crucial for meeting the evolving demands of English language education in Kerala's rural context