English for future generations: examining our future teachers' grammar competence / Kamisah Ariffin and Misyana Susanti Husin

This paper addresses the issue of English teachers’ inadequate competence in the language which could have been affecting the standards of English among the generation today. The paper examines 15 student teachers’ grammar competence by evaluating their written assignments. The findings indicate that these prospective English teachers’ grammar competence is inadequate for them to be allowed to teach the language in schools. The data from their sample writings contain basic grammar errors that indicate their competence which, in turn, could detriment their students’ language. The errors are more likely to stay with the students as teachers ‘language can be the only input received. The findings, thus, have some implications for teacher education and development.