In an effort to enhance language education in higher learning institutions, the Uganda Hotel and Tourism Training Institute (UHTTI), in partnership with Makerere University, has launched a mentoring program for language instructors to improve their teaching effectiveness.
During a day-long refresher training on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, which attracted several language educators, experts highlighted the importance of promoting local, foreign, and global languages, particularly in hospitality institutions.
The lead trainer, Prof. Edith Ruth Natukunda from the Department of European and Oriental Languages at Makerere University, stated that language training enhances workplace communication between frontline staff, line managers, and customers.
“Language training boosts confidence in frontline staff, making them more effective in their roles. This confidence also helps in managing conflicts, especially those arising from miscommunication,” Prof. Natukunda said.
She noted that language training fosters customer retention and loyalty.
“Communicating with customers in their preferred language ensures strong customer satisfaction through clear communication,” she added.
Prof. Natukunda, who has taught French to generations of students, emphasized that language training enhances cultural awareness and inclusivity in the workplace.
“Implementing such training in hospitality businesses increases awareness of different cultural nuances. This understanding helps prepare staff to handle a diverse range of clients with an open perspective,” she observed.
According to UHTTI’s Head of Language, Robert Lukwago, the training aims to improve teaching methods and approaches, facilitating quicker and more effective language skill acquisition.
He explained that the training refines the knowledge of language instructors about the tourism and hospitality sector.
“The goal is not to create new knowledge but to fine-tune instructors for purposeful teaching, thus refining the final product,” Mr. Lukwago said.
“The instructors will be equipped with specific methods and approaches that simplify learning, enabling them to effectively teach learners of varying strengths and levels,” he added.
At the workshop’s conclusion, UHTTI Principal Mr. Richard Kawere, represented by the institute’s Quality Assurance Manager Ms. Caroline Gwina, expressed pride in the collaboration with Makerere University.
“Learning doesn’t stop. The instructors deserved this training. It will benefit them greatly, and I believe they will see significant improvements,” Ms. Gwina said on behalf of the principal.
UHTTI’s publicist, Mr. Daniel Kazungu, expressed concerns about the assessment of language course units, noting that many students achieve high grades but struggle to apply their skills in real-life situations.
“You find a student with ninety percent (90%) in French thinking they can speak the language fluently, yet they only manage basic phrases like ‘Bonjour’ in conversation,” he said. He suggested revising the module so that assessments are conducted by a panel of experts using real-life exercises.
Ms. Esther Chonde, a Kiswahili tutor at UHTTI, countered that instructors are often criticized for students’ lack of fluency in foreign languages, pointing out that many people study English from a young age but still struggle to express themselves effectively at the university level.
