Welcome to the Key Concepts for TESOL page! This module introduces you to TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) as an academic discipline and a profession. It lays some theoretical foundations for reflective professional practice as an English teacher in diverse local and global contexts. It also offers an insight into socio-political ideologies and common misconceptions about language(s) that have shaped the inequalities that prevail in English teaching, from subject matter to teaching methods.

Reading

As a starting point for thinking about some of the key theoretical concepts in TESOL introduced in this module, please read Chris Hall’s article for teachers ‘Moving beyond accuracy: from tests of English to tests of ‘Englishing’’.

Tasks

Once you have completed the reading, please attempt one or both of the following tasks:

1. Hall (2014, p. 377) declares that he is “not arguing for ‘standard’ varieties to be abandoned as targets in all learning contexts”. Make a list of: (a) the advantages of learning Standard English for non-native speakers; and (b) the disadvantages of having Standard English as the only learning target.

2. Imagine you are teaching a class of adult learners of English, in a country of your choice. Design a homework activity which will help your students develop appropriate ‘Englishing’ practice for the Test of Interactive English (discussed by Hall, 2014, p. 383).

 

Reference

Hall, C. J. (2014). Moving beyond accuracy: from tests of English to tests of ‘Englishing’. ELT Journal, 68(4), 376-385