VISAKHAPATNAM: GITAM University has decided to adopt Cambridge Academic English into its engineering curriculum to improve the language skills of students from the ensuing academic year. The decision was taken after a year-long deliberations and eliciting suggestions from the industry experts. “We have decided to prescribe Cambridge English textbooks for students with a hope to improve their language skills along with technical skills,” said vice-chancellor G Subrahmanyam here Monday. He inaugurated a four-day orientation programme for faculty on ‘New Approach to Curriculum’. He mentioned that outcome-based learning was highly needed to attain proficiency in communication among engineering students. “Traditional way of teaching English language is not helping the students to meet the industrial needs. Hence, our English department is adopting the world-reputed Cambridge Academic English,” he added.
The University of Cambridge ELT senior consultant CLN Prakash observed that students don’t need theories but need skills to use the language in specific situations. He said that the Cambridge Academic English improves the language skills. GITAM Institute of Technology principal K Lakshmiprasad said that they had introduced the choice based credit system in order to offer mobility for learners across the globe.