MENGAJAR BAHASA INGGRIS DENGAN PARADIGMA "PEMBELAJARAN BERPUSAT PADA SISWA" DI SEKOLAH DASAR

English is not inevitable from its role in the life of a global society. As a world language, English should be taught to the young generation of Indonesia, starting from the elementary school level. The case that makes English a difficult subject to learn by the elementary students is, in fact, the teacher's unchanged paradigm of learning.
The system of education in Indonesia also leads teachers, especially the elementary school teachers, to use 'teacher-centered learning' paradigm. Learning itself is not entirely bad or useless for students, but it holds on the students' creativity. Teacher-centered learning gives chances to teachers to be center of information. Instead, in learning language [whatever], the learning process would give fruits by implementing the student-centered method.
Technology and information developments in the globalization era provide a huge influence to the education dynamics. As a teacher, one should be aware of this and attempt to change the learning perceptions. Learning paradigm shifing is necessary for teachers to cope with the so-fast education dynamics.
Language skills should be developed by any individual who uses the language. Student-centered learning facilities this, through which they are encouraged to be curious and develop their own language skills. Learning language is different from that in which memorizing capability is needed, and may be absorbed by providing a set of information from a teacher to students. Language is learnt by doing-a lesson requiring students to actively contribute to learning process, by using English in everyday conversation.