global, local, critical, eclectic (slideshare version)

Theorising practice and practicing theory: developing local pedagogies in language teaching

BAAL Language Learning and Teaching SIG: Aston University, July 2011

From local pedagogy and global

influences to eclectic practiceAchilleas Kostoulas, The University of Manchester

Presentation Outline

Theorising practice

Some answers Many questions

Describing local pedagogy

Teaching & learning grammar Teaching & learning pronunciation

Setting the scene

The host institute Data generation Analytical categories

CASE STUDY:A Language School in Greece

The host institute

[Redacted]

Informing theory

Canagarajah, A. S. (1999). Resisting linguistic imperialism in English teaching. Oxford: OUP.

Corbin, J. M., & Strauss, A. L. (2008). Basics of qualitative research (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE.

Davis, B., & Sumara, D. J. (2006). Complexity and education. Mahwah, N.J. : Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

Holliday, A. (1994). Appropriate methodology and social context. Cambridge: CUP.

Mason, M. (2008). Complexity theory and the philosophy of education. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell.

Grounded theory

Complexity

Critical ethnogra

phy

‘Thick’ description

Data Generation Methods

Semi-structured interviews

Questionnaire surveys

Classroom observation

Documentary evidence

Teachers

Students

Management

Local Courseware

International Exam Boards

Parents

Local School System

Teacher training

Educational Authority Oversight

BANA methodology

Local education traditions

Imported Courseware

Professional body Accreditation

Local Exam Boards

Global

CriticalLocal WH

Y?

CHALLENGING HEGEMONY?Teaching and learning the grammar system

Accuracy Ethos

Testing

Lay beliefs about language

Pressure for Certification

Local coursebooks

Public school examinations

Exam BoardsCommunicative teacher training

Accountability

Certification

Pu

blic

sch

oo

l ex

amin

atio

ns

Local influences

Global Influences

ENABLING EMERGENCE?Teaching and learning pronunciation

Accuracy Ethos

Examination Washback

Local coursebooks

Communicative teacher training

Emphasis on meaning

Context awareness

Learner Attitudes

Local influences

Global influences

Critical Influences

TOWARDS A CONCEPTUAL

FRAMEWORKWhat does a complexity perspective offer?

Global

CriticalLocal WH

Y?

Global

CriticalLocal

Eclectic pedagogy

How can local pedagogy strike

an appropriate balance with

global influences in order to

avoid stasis?

How can a theory of language

pedagogy fostering the ideals we

consider universally appropriate

while remaining contextually

sensitive?

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTIONAchilleas.Kostoulas@postgrad.manchester.ac.uk

Achilleas.Kostoulas@postgrad.manchester.ac.uk

QUESTIONS?