Abstract
ABSTRACT At the interface between internationalization and language policies (ALTBACH; KNIGHT, 2007), the Paraná Speaks Languages (English) Program emerges as a strategy for the internationalization of universities in the state of Paraná. In this respect, this qualitative case study endeavored to describe and explain the extent to which the Program can contribute to the process of continuing teacher education. In addition, the study sought to discuss future actions, mediated by the Program, aiming at an improvement in teacher education. Through theoretical-methodological sessions and semi-structured interviews, the study involved three English teachers and a pedagogical coordinator. Results indicate that the continuing teacher education in the Program is characterized by didactic-pedagogical and administrative challenges and benefits (gains) in terms of pragmatic, cognitive and empowerment domains.
Highlights
The contemporary world has become more and more globalized and this, in turn, has forced the interconnectedness of people, institutions and so forth
Higher education institutions all over the world have taken actions to grapple with such scenario and the Paraná Speaks English Program (PSE, ) is one of them
English proves to be the major language in the internationalization process and such scenario corroborates the premise that internationalization is a process propelled by political and economical variables (ALTBACH; KNIGHT, 2007)
Summary
The contemporary world has become more and more globalized and this, in turn, has forced the interconnectedness of people, institutions and so forth. In addition to boosting the internationalization of higher education and providing linguistic training for students, faculty and staff, the Program seeks to: a) Train coordinators to manage the courses in their higher education institutions; b) Train language instructors to teach specific courses; c) Offer preparatory courses for international English proficiency exams; d) Offer general English, academic English, English for specific purposes and other courses, enhancing publications in high-impact international journals; e) Offer courses to intensify the participation of the academic community in international events and prepare the academic community for the international research scenario, considering linguistic and cultural diversity; f) Offer courses in strategic areas for international development of the university; g) Foster partnership with English-speaking countries in order to promote joint actions for the qualification, strengthening and expansion of the Program. English proves to be the major language in the internationalization process and such scenario corroborates the premise that internationalization is a process propelled by political and economical variables (ALTBACH; KNIGHT, 2007)
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