Language Teachers Associations Research Articles

Making sense of collective leadership in English teacher associations: insights from Thailand TESOL’s committees

ABSTRACT Language teacher associations (LTAs) serve as a platform for the personal and professional learning of language teachers. This study uses Q methodology to explore how involvement in Thailand TESOL promotes collective leadership among its committee members. Twenty current and former members participated in a card-sorting task, and six of them were further interviewed. A by-person factor analysis categorised participants into three groups based on their shared perspectives on collective leadership. Thailand TESOL provides its committee members with various forms of collective leadership, such as collaborative efforts to contribute to English education, inclusive leadership practices and shared purposes. The evolving educational landscape requires members to practice collective leadership and adaptability, encouraging a culture of continuous professional learning and innovation within and beyond the association. The findings not only illuminate distinct aspects of collective leadership promoted by the association but also contribute to LTA research, particularly concerning members’ personal and professional learning.

Competence of Arabic Language Learning Media Lecturers in the Perspective of the Australian Federation of Modern Language Teachers Associations (AFMLTA)

The purpose of the study was to describe the competence of INSURI Ponorogo Arabic learning media lecturers with a standard perspective and teacher professionalism, according to The Australian Federation of Modern Language Teachers Associations (AFMLTA). This research is qualitative and uses a case study approach. Carried out in the INSURI Arabic language education study program. Research data in the form of competence and professionalism of PBA Learning Media lecturers are limited to projections of student receptive ability development through Arabic cartoons accessed from Marhaban Academy Channel on the https://www.youtube.com/@MarhabanAcademy link. The sources of research data are lecturers, students, and learning activities in the classroom. Data collection techniques are carried out by observation, interviews, and documentation. The analysis of research data is carried out by reducing data, presenting data, and drawing conclusions. The results showed, referring to the standards of AFMLTA foreign language teachers. Lecturers of Arabic learning media courses have met AFMLTA standards, namely mastering pedagogic, professional, and social competencies. Pedagogic competence is colored by the ability to manage classes. Professional competence is aimed at the formulation of learning objectives before lecturers step into the learning process. Meanwhile, social competence is aimed at creating a learning atmosphere by adjusting the curriculum and culture of the INSURI Ponorogo campus. Thus, the existence of AFMLTA can measure the competence and professionalism of language teachers outside Australian countries.

IMPACT OF THE PEDAGOGICAL UNIVERSITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECT ON KAZAKHSTANI ENGLISH TEACHERS

The objective of enhancing professional abilities is to elevate the competency and expertise of educators in their respective subject domains or specialized fields. The goal of professional development initiatives is to address to the constantly evolving demands of education by equipping teachers with the most current knowledge and skills necessary to address the shifting requirements of students and society. This study presents the discoveries resulting from the examination of the effects of teacher training programs within the framework of the pedagogical development program developed by the Akmola Region English Language Teachers Association (ARELTA) and the Regional English Language Office of the U.S. Embassy in Astanа. The purpose of the post-training survey was to collect feedback from participants of the teacher training courses regarding the degree to which these courses have genuinely impacted their professional growth and personal advancement. In this research, 325 teachers with varying backgrounds, teaching qualifications, work experiences, and institutional affiliations participated in the post-training survey from different regions of Kazakhstan. Key words: teacher training courses, professional growth, professional skills, innovative teaching approaches, learning activities, impact, methodology, technology, course design, lesson planning.

Professional Development Needs of English Teachers in Kazakhstan

The systematic work in the field of education in the Republic of Kazakhstan to increase the requirements for the quality of teacher training is directly related to advance training courses for teachers. Conducting research before the formation of courses for each group and taking into account individual requests allows us to build the learning process more effectively. The relevance of this study lies in the fact that special attention is paid to the potential benefits of professional needs analysis to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the situation with the study and teaching of English in Kazakhstani schools. This study presents the results of the needs analysis of Kazakhstani English teachers before the beginning of advanced training courses for teachers of English within the framework of the pedagogical development program developed by the Akmola Region English Language Teachers Association (ARELTA) and the Regional English Language Office of the U.S. Embassy in Astana. The purpose of the study is to collect data for the development of a curriculum for an advanced training course for English teachers within the framework of the project. The survey involved 328 respondents, all of them teachers of English from different regions of Kazakhstan. The performed analysis represents the English language teacher's perception of professional development needs and is critical for analyzing the needs and professional development of other teachers.

Critical Literature Review on Teaching Chinese as a World Language in the Context of Globalization

Using perspectives on language and language learning in Second Language Acquisition (SLA), including the traditional cognitive orientation, sociocultural theory orientation, and critical theoretical orientation as theoretical frameworks, this study critically analyzes 78 papers published from 2014 to 2020 in Chinese as a Second Language—The Journal of the Chinese Language Teachers Association, USA (CSL), a leading journal that is devoted exclusively to the study of Chinese language, culture, and pedagogy. This study investigates how the teaching and learning of Chinese language and culture has been conceptualized and enacted in the field of SLA and explores factors that contributed to frustration, dissatisfaction, or criticisms in this field (e.g., Lantolf and Genung, 2002; Li and Duff, 2008, 2018; Thorne, 2005). Additionally, this study raises awareness of the value of sociocultural and critical perspectives on language teaching and learning (e.g., Douglas Fir Group, 2016; Fairclough, 1992; Halliday and Hasan, 1985; New London Group, 1996; Vygotsky, 1978), suggesting more critical and sociocultural-oriented research to support learning Chinese as a world language in the context of globalization.

O discurso acadêmico de professores de inglês sobre a internacionalização no contexto do Seminário Internacional da ABRALITEC

ABSTRACT This study set out to analyze the academic discourse on internationalization as deployed by English teachers who took part in Seminário Internacional da Associação Brasileira de Professores de Língua Inglesa da Rede Federal de Ensino Básico, Técnico e Tecnológico (2020) [2020 International Seminar of the Brazilian Association of English Language Teachers in the Federal Network of Basic, Technical and Technological Education]. Grounded in Dialogic Discourse Analysis, we built a corpus with five oral presentation summaries extracted from the conference’s book of abstracts. We found that internationalization was predominantly associated with learning English but less strongly regarded as an institutional imperative. Our findings were thus indicative of dialogic relationships amongst academic, theoretical, official and advertising discourses. In the arena where opinions meet, there emerged two mutually complementing perspectives on internationalization efforts: one focused on the role of integral education and another focused on institutional conformation against an international backdrop.

The Role of Language Teachers’ Associations in Research and Language Teacher Training

The aim of this contribution is to highlight the central role of Language Teacher Associations in enhancing the quality of language teaching practices through professional development opportunities, training and updating events, research programs, collaborative learning practices, shared experience and best practices. The second part of the work focuses on ANILS, the oldest Italian Association of Foreign Languages Teachers, which promotes and support initiative aimed at improving teachers’ professional knowledge, both on the educational and on the methodological teaching front, by means of its own study and research facilities and through collaboration with other Associations or Research Centre.

The Role of Membership Viewpoints in Shaping Language Teacher Associations: A Q Methodology Analysis

AbstractThe complexity inherent in the TESOL field can present challenges for Language Teacher Associations (LTAs) in undertaking internal‐facing roles such as professional learning including networking, conferences and publications, as well as external‐facing roles such as advocacy work with stakeholders, and curriculum reform, among other issues (e.g., Elsheikh & Effiong, 2018b; Lamb, 2012; Paran, 2016). LTAs must be cognizant of and responsive to changing socio‐political, policy, funding factors influencing TESOL provision, as well as the changing pedagogical needs of educators working across sectors. This study investigates the factors which influence and shape English as an Additional Language (EAL) education across a local (state based) EAL context and considers how these findings can inform the activities and practices of LTAs. Q methodology, which combines the use of qualitative and quantitative data, is employed to provide insights into current, deeply held perspectives of educators in relation to EAL provision. Findings provide insights into contextual variables which impact on EAL provision in adult education and school‐based contexts, including intensive English education for refugee and migrant children. This in turn provides an opportunity to consider implications of these findings for LTA activities and practices, in particular, in relation to professional learning, leadership and advocacy.

The AJE Summit 2020 Report: The Past, Present and Future of Japanese Language Education in Europe

Associations of teachers of Japanese play an indispensable role in assisting not only teachers but also learners and impacting society by offering resources and opportunities for the growth of in-service teachers and pre-service teachers such as postgraduate students. Enhancing the quality of the resources and opportunities is expected to become effective when they know each other, learn from each other and work together. For this purpose, the Association of Japanese Language Teachers in Europe hosted a summit where the representatives of 22 European countries gathered to discuss the current and the future of Japanese language education in Europe. The aim of the current report is to present general but up-to-date information about the teachers, learners, institutions, associations, and features and challenges of each country. Furthermore, this report will illustrate the key discussions of the summit on the challenges and the possible actions for the viable future of Japanese language education in Europe. The Authors hope to contribute to creating the reference points for larger future studies on such associations while reflecting on the impact the summit possibly had.

Differentiation of radical processing strategies in character decoding by L2 learners of Chinese according to L1-type

Abstract This study investigates the productive use of semantic and phonetic radicals for Chinese character decoding by Chinese as a foreign language (CFL) learners at different levels of L2 proficiency, focusing on the application of radical knowledge according to the learners’ L1 language families. Using a pseudo-word test developed by Williams, Clay. 2014. The development of intra-character radical awareness in L1 Chinese children: Changing strategies. Journal of the Chinese Language Teachers Association 49(2). 1–26 to measure subject preference for semantic versus phonological decoding processes, subjects are asked to match a provided definition and pronunciation with a character in a multiple choice format which included two pseudo characters designed with radicals which corresponded with the provided definition or pronunciation, respectively. The results demonstrate that reliance on semantic or phonological radicals for character identification varies according to the L1 of the CFL learners; subjects whose L1 is relatively orthographically transparent predominantly make use of phonological processing strategies at all levels of proficiency, whereas those whose L1 are more orthographically opaque demonstrate more malleable processing preferences, with relatively strong semantic radical reliance in the early stage of their language learning, and considerable variability between semantic and phonological processing at intermediate and advanced proficiency levels. The findings suggest that developmental trends of using radical decoding strategies differ among CFL learner groups with varying L1 literacy strategy preferences.

The world language teacher shortage: Taking a new direction

Since the end of World War II, international leaders have made calls addressing the world language teacher shortage. For almost 70 years, such rhetoric has been advanced, yet world language teacher shortages remain in many countries such as Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In this article, the authors discuss the past and current state of affairs of the shortage before advancing ideas for language teacher recruitment and retention to which a variety of stakeholders (e.g., parents, administrators, language teacher associations) can contribute immediately in order to address the world language teacher shortage in earnest.

Perceived Gaps and the Use of Supplemental Materials in Postsecondary American Sign Language Curricula

In the 1990s, American Sign Language (ASL) began gaining widespread acceptance as a foreign language in higher education, but instruction, programming, teaching, and learning are still in the process of becoming mature fields. This survey study was designed to assess perceived gaps in current ASL curricula, how and to what extent instructors are supplementing the curricula, how ASL labs are implemented and to what degree supplemental lab materials are needed, and whether outcomes and standards are being applied in ASL instruction. For the future development of instructional materials, implications and recommendations are provided that follow the American Sign Language Teachers Association's Standards for Learning American Sign Language. Additionally, recommendations are made for new instructional materials to be based on research and for the implementation of integrated standards, content-based instruction, and task-based language teaching.

The Importance of Raising Teacher Awareness of Culture-sensitive English Language Teaching

It is straightforward that English language teachers in the 21st century face the daunting task educating students from diverse ethnic, racial, linguistic and religious background. It has become pivotal for teachers to raise their own cultural understanding first to be successful educators. This study demonstrates to what extent English language teachers in Georgia value and practice culture-sensitive English language teaching and learning. The study concluded that at first teachers have to grasp the inseparability of language and culture to achieve students’ success in gaining communicative competence in English language. Based on the results of the study, English language teachers, in order to raise their cultural awareness are recommended: to participate in periodic in-service trainings, workshops and regional or national conferences that focus on target and international culture; to receive in-service professional training through participation in professional associations such as English Teachers’ Association of Georgia (ETAG), Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), Foreign Language Teachers Association; the Society for Intercultural Education, Training and Research (SIERAR); to subscribe to the journals and other publications of these professional associations.

Language teacher associations in Japan: knowledge producers and/or knowledge disseminators

To investigate the role of language teacher associations (LTAs) vis-a-vis their members, the case of Japan is notable for the apparent disparateness among the more than 50 associations that have formed over the past 90 years. An historical overview reveals that LTAs in Japan have emerged in four distinct waves, and a survey of representative associations from each of these waves clarifies some current differences between the groups. As a theoretical framework in which to explore these differences, we draw on Foucault’s concept of power/knowledge, which proposes a hierarchy between those who produce knowledge and those who disseminate or consume it. According to this scheme, the second- and third-wave LTAs are categorized as knowledge producers, while the first- and fourth-wave LTAs are categorized as disseminators of knowledge promoted by the state or marketed by commercial interests. We conclude by considering the implications of these LTA roles for teacher autonomy and professionalization.

Language teacher associations: key themes and future directions

This article presents the themes that emerge from this Special Issue on language teacher associations (LTAs). I discuss various conceptualizations of LTAs, as well as the different theoretical frameworks which the contributors to the Special Issue use in their analyses. I then focus on some of the ways in which LTAs achieve their mission of providing continuing professional development (CPD) to language teachers. I discuss the importance of conferences for LTAs as a crucial space for CPD, as a valuable membership benefit, and as a space for initiating change. Throughout, I point out the implications of the various contributions to this Special Issue for LTAs themselves, for researchers, and for ELT practitioners who are members of LTAs.

Researching teacher associations

Here we argue not only for more research into English language teacher associations (TAs) but also for research to be carried out by and within TAs. That is, we advocate their becoming ‘Researching TAs’ themselves. This suggestion derives from our recent collaborative work with/within CAMELTA (the Cameroon English Language and Literature Teachers’ Association). In this context we have initiated and helped to facilitate the development of what we term – by analogy with ‘teacher-research’ – ‘TA-research’: systematic inquiry which is based on members’ priorities and officially endorsed by a TA, and which engages members as active participants in what they see as a collective project. This initiative offers promising signs that a TA can become a ‘researching association’ in the service of its members’ needs. In the CAMELTA case, valuable local knowledge is being uncovered and shared, helping members become less dependent on outsider expertise: in a word, more empowered.

Vocabulary research and pedagogy: Introduction to the special issue

The impetus for this special issue came from the Vocab@Vic conference, which was hosted in December, 2013 at Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, Aotearoa / New Zealand. The aim of the conference, and of this special issue, was to focus on current trends in vocabulary research in second or foreign language teaching and learning. An unstated secondary aim of the conference was to honour Emeritus Professor Paul Nation for his continued contribution to research and learning and teaching vocabulary in another language. Paul is the author of one of the best known volumes on vocabulary, Learning vocabulary in another language (now in its second edition, 2013), and each contribution in this special issue is related to topics which Paul has written about and researched. He also reviewed a number of articles for this special issue. From experience, I know it can be difficult to thank Paul to his face, so I am dedicating this special issue to him. At the suggestion of Frank Boers, another vocabulary researcher and enthusiast, the organization of this special issue follows that of an earlier collective volume on vocabulary edited by Bogaards & Laufer (2004). The themes of that volume were selection (or prioritization), acquisition (and instruction), and testing (or assessment). Laufer (2014) comments on four studies from a special interest group on vocabulary in the Japanese Association of Language Teachers (JALT) using this same framework, which suggests that these areas of interest remain current in vocabulary studies. Batia Laufer is another stalwart of the vocabulary research community, and drawing on her work is also a way to recognize her considerable impact on the field. It is fitting to lead off the special issue with an article co-authored by Norbert Schmitt, a dedicated and prolific scholar in vocabulary studies, whose review article published in Language Teaching Research (Schmitt, 2008) is one of the most cited pieces in the 20-year history of the journal. Melodie Garnier and Norbert Schmitt’s contribution exemplifies the theme of selection. Selecting items for teaching is a major area of concern because of the cost–benefit equation, and learners and teachers need to get the best return for effort. The focus of Garnier and Schmitt’s contribution is phrasal verbs (a term they use to also encompass prepositional verbs). As there are several 604788 LTR0010.1177/1362168815604788Language Teaching ResearchCoxhead research-article2015

The CEFR and teaching Japanese as a foreign language

Soon after the publication of the CEFR in 2001, the Association of Japanese Language Teachers in Europe (AJE) started a research project on the history of language teaching in Europe, carried out a survey of language policies in various European countries, and presented prospects for learning and teaching Japanese as a foreign language in Europe. The association recognizes the need to share the concepts and achievements of the CEFR.The Japan Foundation (JF), partially influenced by the CEFR, set up the JF Standard for Japanese Language Education in 2010. This standard offers tools that teachers and students can use to plan their teaching/learning through self-assessment of their language ability levels. The JF is also publishing new types of textbooks for Japanese education, emphasizing cross-cultural understanding between peoples.The Japanese Language Proficiency Test was revised in 2010 and is now ability-oriented; it is indirectly influenced by the CEFR.The authors analyzed Japanese education at the University of Ljubljana in relation to the CEFR assessment levels. At the end of their undergraduate study, students reach approximately level B1/B2 of the CEFR, and at the end of the master’s course level C1. There are difficulties in assessing the current Japanese courses using the CEFR framework due to the specific character of Japanese, particularly in relation to the script, politeness and pragmatic strategies, and students’ familiarity with current events in Japan and background knowledge of Japanese society. Nevertheless, the CEFR framework offers concrete ideas and new points of view for planning language courses, even for non-European languages.

Expert views on how language education may develop in the next 20 years and what CALL could contribute

<span>The celebration of EUROCALL’s twentieth anniversary provides a proper occasion to reflect on the future of language teaching and the role of CALL in these developments. In this paper we present the views of six authorities on language teaching and learning from different EU countries. All of them have a special interest in CALL and/or are CALL experts and well respected EUROCALL members, such as the late Graham Davies. We present a selection of their observations based on a summary of the Skype interviews in which they contributed to a symposium entitled ‘And now for another century of modern language teaching…’ organised by the Dutch national Association of Language Teachers on the occasion of its first centennial in 2011. To provide a more global (or at least European) perspective, the interviewees were asked to cover the same topics that were central to the live panel discussion delivered by six Dutch participants representing a variety of perspectives: secondary and university teachers, students, curriculum experts and teacher educators. By way of preparation, all involved had been given a number of challenging statements related to some aspects of the discussion theme: the characteristics of the future learning environment, teacher, learner, pedagogy and technology. In this audio-supported document we will focus on interesting points of view particularly related to pedagogy and technology expressed in the interviews. A video report summary of the live discussion (in Dutch) is available on the limited CD edition with recordings of the centennial festivities. For an impression of the panel discussion and other symposium activities see this </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S476HdHWaYw&hd=1" target="_blank">video report</a><span> on YouTube.</span>

Modern language journaldissertation support grants sponsored by the national federation of modern language teachers associations

<i>Modern language journal</i>dissertation support grants sponsored by the national federation of modern language teachers associations