A Comprehensive Study on the Decline of English Language Standards: Evaluating Pedagogical and Institutional Practices in Klang Valley Secondary Schools

Abstract

This study investigates the alarming decline in English language standards among secondary school students in the Klang Valley, Malaysia. It explores how pedagogical practices and institutional structures contribute to this trend. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 350 students and 20 English language teachers across ten secondary schools. The findings reveal that outdated teaching methods, rigid curricula, insufficient teacher training, and a focus on high-stakes testing are key drivers of poor language outcomes. Furthermore, limited English exposure outside the classroom and a lack of communicative teaching practices exacerbate the issue. This research offers evidence-based recommendations for curriculum reform, professional development, and the integration of communicative pedagogies to restore English proficiency in Malaysian secondary education.