Conference Theme
Exploring the future evolution of English language teaching and learning and its implications.
The inaugural British Council New Perspectives conference on the future of English language teaching and learning in East Asia will be held in Hong Kong in 2021. The event will focus on the expected evolution of English language teaching and learning in advanced economies such as Hong Kong over the next 10 years and what preparations for those changes we should and can be making now. It will bring a range of perspectives from academia, government and business to explore the following sub-themes.
Sub-Themes
Technology as disrupter and enabler
Technology is integral to nearly every aspect of life and education is no exception. Advances in artificial intelligence, mobile data access and virtual reality will transform how we access and use information. This sub-theme invites papers and presenters to explore the impact of technology and what it means for learning.
- The use of technology in driving auxiliary learning through mobile education such as apps, self-study programmes and information access
- The impact of improved AI in curriculum development and assessment
- The future of the classroom and remote learning
- New approaches through augmented and virtual reality education
The future of English in the curriculum
As technology transforms how we access information and how we both learn and play, what place does English have in the curriculum of tomorrow? Does artificial intelligence mean we no longer need language education? What English will be taught?
- Official and non-official language policies
- English Across the Curriculum (EAC)
- Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL)
- Global Englishes
- Technology and learning: eLearning, Blended Learning and Mobile Learning
- Promoting Learner Autonomy
- 21st Century Skills and Knowledge-led curriculums
Teacher training: Getting ready for the future
We are all a product of our training and learning. What skills and aptitudes does the teacher of English in the future need and how do we prepare them for the society of the future?
- Integrating learning technologies into teaching practice
- Teacher cognition and adaptability
- Approaches to teacher training
- Developing techno-pedagogical competencies
English proficiency expectations for the next decade
Societies are increasingly globalised and English plays a key role in facilitating international exchange, be it at work or study; but what level of English is really needed in the future? What level of proficiency should we be aiming for and how do we set and measure expectations as we plan for a more mobile and skilled workforce?
- English for vocational studies
- EAP: English requirements for university both at home and abroad
- Preparing learners for an international world
- Language teaching and intercultural fluency
General Strand
In addition to the above, the general sub-theme aims to provide an opportunity for speakers to submit proposals on topics, innovative research or projects of general interest on the future of English teaching and learning. For the general strand, we invite contributions of a broader nature dealing with other areas of inquiry not directly related to the sub-themes.