International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Invention ISSN (Online): 2319 – 7722, ISSN (Print): 2319 – 7714 www.ijhssi.org Volume 2 Issue 4 ǁ April. 2013ǁ PP.29-31 www.ijhssi.org 29 | P a g e The Role of English Language Teacher in Developing Communication Skills among the Students of Engineering and Technology B. Balaji Reddy 1 , M.M. Gopi 2 1 Associate Professor of English, Sri Venkatesa Perumal College of Engineering and Technology, RVS Nagar, KN Road, PUTTUR-517583, Chittoor (Dist), A.P. (State), India. 2 Asst. Professor of English, Sri Venkatesa Perumal College of Engineering and Technology, RVS Nagar, KN Road, PUTTUR-517583, Chittoor (Dist), A.P. (State), India. Abstract : Communication refers to the exchange of thoughts and ideas with the intention of conveying information. In the 21 st century, acquiring basic skills in communication has become essential for personal and professional growth and success. Hence, a student of science and technology cannot afford to ignore communication basics. In the globalize context, students of Engineering and Technology need a specific set of language skills for their success both in education and career. Effective communication skills are indispensable to move up on the corporate ladder. Having this in mind, the English language teacher has to play an important role by taking a responsibility to help the students in developing their communication skills. This paper attempts to highlight the vital role of the English language teacher in developing the required communication skills among the students of Engineering and Technology. Key Words: Communication Skills, English language teacher, Engineering and Technology students I. INTRODUCTION Effective Communication is all about conveying messages to other people clearly and unambiguously with as little distortion as possible. For a successful life in any sphere of activity, communication skills are of primary importance. Today‟s organizations are constantly looking forward for the candidates who have sound communication skills in addition to good technical knowledge. Those who cannot communicate well will lose out; they get much less credit for their achievements than they deserve. Thus, effective communication is a must to influence people and win their minds and hearts. Unfortunately many Engineering students do not possess these required skills and as a result they are not offered good jobs in the reputed MNC‟ s. Having kept this factor in mind, the English language teacher should give utmost importance to the English communication development which is essential in the present scenario with an objective to make the job aspirants gainfully employed. Now let us see how an English language teacher can be creative and successful in teaching different segments of communication. The Role of English Language Teacher: The first and foremost important thing that the teacher of English has to do is to help the students in overcoming their fears about communication and motivate them to develop more positive perceptions of communication activities. He is expected to play the roles such as – counselor, motivator, communication skills trainer etc. The English language teachers must also be aware of the latest technologies, methods and approaches of language teaching, explore new ideas and having a certain amount of specialization in the concerned subject. Teaching of Listening Skills to Engineering & Technology students – The Role of English teacher: Listening is often a neglected skill. There is a good saying in English. “One cannot become a good communication unless one is a good listener”. So, the teachers of English should make students to realize one important thing i.e., to become effective communicator, students should be good listeners first. Just as a child learns to speak after listening to his close ones, so do those who learn a new language. It is the responsibility of the teacher to drag the students‟ attention and concentration skills to the maximum extent. To develop listening skills among the Engineering and Technology students the English language teacher can effectively utilize the language labs. Scientific advancements have produced a number of innovative products to assist the learning process. With the help of head phones and ear phones the teacher can easily develop the listening skills by asking the students to listen and learn various sounds, rhythms, tunes and stress patterns of English language. In