Current Trends in ELT around the Globe Sajan Kumar

Karn

Introduction

English Language Teaching (ELT) has tremendously changed over the centuries. Since then, teachers have ever been in search of better and more effective method of teaching.

The popular trends of ELT in the past have vanished today and have substituted by others. Several factors have contributed to the adoption of new trends in ELT.

The Changing winds and shifting sands of the history of ELT

The history of language teaching goes back to the teaching of classical Greek and Latin before the 13th century, mainly the analysis of grammar, translation works, and rhetoric. Modern language like French, English, and Italian began to be taught as Latin by applying Grammar Translation Method (GTM), dominated from 1840’s to 1940’s.

The need for communication and oral proficiency leads to the development of new language learning approaches. New approaches develops up to 1990’s.

The Whys and Wherefores of the Paradigm Shifts in ELT

New approaches are rediscoveries of old methods neglected but re-illuminated

Multiple Intelligences

Gardner (1993)

Transformational generative Grammar

Chomsky (1957)

Second Language Acquisition(Krashen)

Total Physical Response(Asher)

•Cooperative Learning•Whole Language Approach•Neurolinguistic Programming•Multiple Intelligence Theory

•Content-based•Task based•Participatory approach

Key Trends in ELT Today

Networking

Student centredness Reflective Practice

Rethinking aim

Conferencing

Grammaring

Method synergetics

or eclecticism

Strategopedia

Teachers can enrich their learning, not to depend upon theories & methods

Not depending on a particular method & not conforming to only one style, Choosing from a wide variety

Taking responsibility for self-direction to improve students’ learning effectiveness

Teachers play the role of facilitators in the class. Students learn by doing in pairs & groups

Teachers learn to improve their teaching by trying to observe, understand, reflect, learn, & tryout something happening in the class

Discussing what the aims of ELT should be. The need of an approach to language education that aims at fostering a sense of social responsibility in students

Teachers have established professional organizations; seminars, workshops, tarining, and conventions

Grammar is seen as more of a process than a product. Grammar is is conceived in its active & progressive sense

Key Trends in ELT Today

Updating

PPP Lesson

Locally produced materials

Communicativeness Sharing with a colleague

Anti-method era

Frustration

Future trend

Teachers read journal, participate in training, seminar workshops, etc to update their knowledge of trnds & techniques around the world

PresentationPracticeProduction

Imported materials may not be effective in other countries

The focus in on how learners can be made proficient to communicate to others who speak the same TL

Uncertain. Keep predicting the future of existing trends and a wave of change.

Teachers find a sollution to a teaching problem, speak in confidence about a failure, get an idea how to teach effectively

No method is the best for ELT. ELT is now in ‘post method thinking’

Teachers have not been able to follow the trends due to lack of resources available to them

Conclusion

There is no single most excellent way of teaching foreign languages. Instead, ELT practicioners around the globe put into practice a great deal od diverse activities to keep themselves up-to-date and enhance their practices which have been dealt above.

Karn, S.K. (2007). Current Trends in ELT around the Globe. Journal of NELTA , 12: 1 & 2, 60-66.

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Thanks for your attention ;-)

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