Job Discussion Forums

surrealia · Joined: 11 Jan 2003 Posts: 241 Location: Taiwan

I don't know if this is the proper place to post this, but I'm looking for a list of current trends and topics in language teaching and ESL, as well as trends in education that might be applicable to language teaching. Thanks in advance!

tedkarma · Posted: Sun Oct 08, 2006 7:36 am Post subject:

It depends quite a bit on the region or country. But I will take a shot at a few:

One:
Growth of bilingual, not-quite-international schools where EFL teachers teach other subjects as well - in English.

Two:
Increasing demand for trained EFL teachers. This often only means a four-week certificate - but more places are asking for some level of demonstrated skill before hiring.

Three:
Increasing acceptance of non-white, non-blue-eyed native-speakers (slow, but it is coming).

Four:
Increasing requiements for verification of all qualifications - including degrees, police checks, etc.

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

surrealia · Joined: 11 Jan 2003 Posts: 241 Location: Taiwan

Whoops, I guess I didn't myself clear enough. I'm looking for trends and topics that are related to teaching (teaching methods, approaches, theories, etc.), not employment.

Sherri · Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 4:13 am Post subject:

I think it was popular in the past to divide classes up into skills like "grammar" or "speaking and listening" or "reading". I am moving more towards an integrated curriculum using a common topic to tie in the skills development. Another trend is to avoid teaching grammar explicitly without any context. I also find it is more common to use authentic materials (newspapers, radio and TV recordings) rather than relying on textbooks. Since the Bank of English and other vocabulary banks, a lexical based curriculum is becoming more popular too.

Is this what you mean?
Sherri

surrealia · Joined: 11 Jan 2003 Posts: 241 Location: Taiwan

Sherri, that's exactly what I'm looking for. thank you.

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

We are now at a post-communicative approach. Confused

surrealia · Joined: 11 Jan 2003 Posts: 241 Location: Taiwan

gaijinalways · Joined: 29 Nov 2005 Posts: 2279

I think you are also seeing more task based syllabi as well as more focus on useful contextual English versus grammatically correct dialogues trying to push some grammar point in an unnatural way.

TheLongWayHome · Joined: 07 Jun 2006 Posts: 1016 Location: San Luis Piojosi

MELEE · Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 3:07 pm Post subject:

I think Tedkarma's answer was right on the spot, considering this is the Job Discussion Forum. Dave's has a whole host of other forums at http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/teacher/ but people don't seem to use them. I wonder why?

I also wonder why they are separate in the first place? Confused

thrifty · Joined: 25 Apr 2006 Posts: 1665 Location: chip van

Backs against the board
hangman
gap fills
showing adult students Mr. Bean

No wonder we don't take it seriously.

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

thrifty, you missed out running dictations.

thrifty · Joined: 25 Apr 2006 Posts: 1665 Location: chip van

Jizzo T. Clown · Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 8:01 pm Post subject: