The beliefs and practices in the teaching of English pronunciation in English classes within Pejabat Pelajaran Gabungan (PPG) Kuching

The main purpose of this study was to find out the problems that English teachers faced in the teach ing of sound system in Malaysian ESL classroom. This study also aimed to identify the suitable approaches and techniques in the teaching of pronunciation. The study utilized a survey approach employing a set of self-designed questionnaire and interview. The sample comprised 331 English teachers from 26 , selected secondary schools in Pejabat Pelajaran Gabungan (PPG) Kuching. Based on the findings, it was revealed that 85.2% of the English teachers believed teaching pronunciation was not an easy task. They faced problems such as inadequate knowledge, lack of confidence, not enough support and time constraint in the teaching of pronunciation. Therefore, the kinds of support needed by them were language labs equipped with CDs, YCOs, radios and listening tapes. Other teaching aids such as dictionaries were also needed. It was found out that the most suitable approach in the teaching of pronunciation was communicative approach whereas drilling was indicated as the most appropriate technique to be used. Few recommendations and suggestions had also been highlighted in this study to improve the effectiveness of pronunciation teaching in our Malaysian ESL classrooms