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[This paper was given at a recent online European conference and takes a critical look at some current issues in English language teaching. ]
Read the full article with references and recommended readings here (excerpt below due to length). Download the full article as a pdf and view the presentation slides in our Lesson Library.
The video is one of many dedicated to the professional development of English language teachers - see our full playlist.
In this paper we highlight the following issues;
AI and Educational Technology. Teacher Precarity. Native Speakerism. The Research Gap. Teaching Methods. Teaching Practices. Curriculum. Professional Development.
Introduction
English language teaching has experienced many changes and challenges since its formal inception as a separate field of education. Our current time is no exception and given the pandemic and the recent release of generative AI technologies, many issues now starkly confront English language institutions, schools and teachers.
Those new to English language teaching might think the only issues are those about how to teach in class – methods. Which activities work best? Which approaches we should take? What makes a good curriculum (textbook or not) or teacher?
However, the field is a wide and deep one and consists of a lot more than just this one domain of classroom teaching. Currently, there are a lot of issues under debate which teachers need to form beliefs around – beliefs that will inform their teaching practices and educational philosophy. As part of the standards of practice for any teacher, being informed, aware and reflecting on the important issues and challenges in the profession as a whole is an essential part of all teacher education and development.
We aim in this paper to review the current issues facing the profession of English language teaching. It takes a critical stance on many of these issues, believing this is the proper perspective in which to assess the nature of change happening. More questions than answers will be offered but that’s just part of assessing the future, a future we just never can 100% know with certainty.
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