From Undergraduate to Lecturer: A Journey Back to my roots; University of Kelaniya

Shaping the future of my students through ESP teaching

Returning to the University of Kelaniya as a lecturer for the second time has been a deeply meaningful milestone in my academic journey. Once, I walked these same halls as an undergraduate, pursuing my degree with ambition and curiosity. Today, I stand on the other side of the classroom as a Temporary Lecturer in English for Specific Purposes (ESP) at the Faculty of Computing and Technology, University of Kelaniya. This transition feels like coming back to my roots, only now, with the privilege and responsibility of shaping the academic and professional journeys of my own students. The belief “I touch the future, I teach” continues to guide my teaching philosophy and influence every learning experience I design.

My teaching takes place within a dynamic and future-oriented academic environment where language and technology intersect in meaningful ways. I work closely with undergraduate students from diverse degree programmes, including Bachelor of Science Honours in Computer Science, Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology Honours, Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours, and Bachelor of Biosystems Technology Honours. These students come from a variety of linguistic and cultural backgrounds, primarily Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities, creating a rich and multicultural classroom environment. However, many of them have had limited exposure to English beyond formal education, as their schooling has largely been in Sinhala or Tamil medium. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity, challenging me to bridge the gap in language proficiency while also allowing me to empower students to use English confidently in academic and professional contexts.

As part of my role within the Department of English Language Teaching (DELT), I deliver ESP modules across different academic levels. These modules are carefully structured to develop students’ receptive and productive skills, academic writing abilities, professional communication strategies, and discipline-specific vocabulary relevant to computing and technology. Students are grouped into proficiency levels including Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced based on diagnostic assessments, enabling me to adapt my teaching strategies according to their individual learning needs. This differentiated approach ensures that each student is supported in progressing from their current level towards greater language competence and confidence.

My teaching approach is strongly learner-centred, interactive, and supported by technology-enhanced tools. I regularly integrate platforms such as Padlet, Kahoot, Quizizz, and Classkick to create engaging and collaborative learning experiences. Classroom tasks are designed to reflect real-world applications, including abstract writing, formal email writing, CV preparation, E-portfolio designing and technical presentations. These activities not only strengthen students’ language skills but also prepare them for the communication demands of their future careers. In order to support students with lower proficiency levels, I strategically use code-switching and code-mixing as scaffolding techniques, gradually encouraging increased use of English as their confidence grows.

Beyond regular lectures, I also contribute to English orientation programmes conducted for newly enrolled undergraduates. These sessions aim to introduce students to academic English conventions and equip them with essential communication skills required for university life. Supporting students at this initial stage helps ease their transition into higher education and builds a strong foundation for their future learning.

Overall, my current teaching context is shaped by diversity, innovation, and a strong commitment to student development. Returning to the University of Kelaniya has not only been a personal achievement but also a reminder of how far I have come. It inspires me to give back to the very institution that shaped me, by creating meaningful, inclusive, and future-focused learning experiences. Through my teaching, I strive to empower students with the language skills and confidence they need to succeed in both academic and global professional environments.






Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

My ESP Lecturing Journey at the Faculty of IT, University of Moratuwa

Image
Walking into the Faculty of Information Technology at the University of Moratuwa as an ESP lecturer was a moment filled with both excitement and anticipation. Teaching IT undergraduates presents a unique challenge, as their academic focus is primarily technical. My module, Communication Skills, was not just another English course, it was an English for Specific Purposes (ESP) program, carefully designed to enhance their professional communication abilities within the ICT industry. The goal was to equip students with the language skills needed for real-world applications, such as technical writing, presentations, professional correspondence, and workplace communication. Every aspect of the module was tailored to align with their field, ensuring that what they learned would be directly applicable to their future careers. From delivering technical presentations to collaborating on projects, the course was structured to bridge the gap between language proficiency and industry expectations...
Read more

Reflections on My Visiting Lecturing Journey at the University of Kelaniya- Faculty of Commerce & Management Studies

Image
  A Heartfelt Return: Visiting Lecturing Experience at the University of Kelaniya Returning to My Roots Returning to the University of Kelaniya, where I once walked the lecture halls as an undergraduate, was an experience filled with deep gratitude and pride. As a graduate of the Department of English Language Teaching (DELT), it was an honor to return to the University of Kelaniya as a visiting lecturer in English under the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies. This role was more than just a teaching position; it was an opportunity to express my appreciation for my university which rooted and nurtured me during my formative years.  Walking through the familiar corridors and stepping into the same lecture halls where I once sat as an undergraduate brought back a flood of memories with nostalgia. It was a surreal experience, blending the past with the present, and I felt a deep sense of responsibility to contribute to the growth and success of the current students. T...
Read more

Visiting Lecturing Diaries- Empowering Adult Learners across Borders

Image
Professional Engagement at Innovatus Campus My journey as a Visiting Lecturer in English at Innovatus Campus (Sri Lanka & UAE) has been both professionally fulfilling and personally transformative. I have been engaged in delivering lectures for a diverse range of degree programs, including MA in English, BA in English & B.Ed in TESOL MA in Education, BA in Early Childhood Education & B.Ed in Education This experience has provided me with the valuable opportunity to work with both undergraduate and postgraduate students from both Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), each group bringing unique perspectives and learning needs into the classroom. Working with adult learners, particularly postgraduate students, required me to adapt my teaching approach significantly. Unlike traditional learners, these students come with rich professional backgrounds, practical experiences and clearly defined goals. Therefore, I moved beyond a purely lecture-based method and created a ...
Read more