Promoting inclusion, not exclusion, of learner languages in English language learning environments

This workshop explores and promotes what a ‘healthy future’ entails in English Language Teaching (ELT) from the perspective of the role and value of other languages in language learning. 

Event Title: Promoting inclusion, not exclusion, of learner languages in English language learning environments 
Who: Kim Beadle, Project Manager for Thought Leadership (British Council)
Format: Interactive Talk
Location: Online (Microsoft Teams or Zoom)
Audience: Teaching professionals (English language)
Registration required: Yes

A monolingual/English-only, ‘native’ teacher approach to language learning was popularised for almost a century. We are now seeing a shift in acknowledging that this is not necessarily the most effective approach, being criticised for marginalising languages other than English, breeding discrimination against ‘non-native’ teachers and which does not reflect the plurilingual realities of language development and processing.

In this interactive talk we will cover some background, rationale, and strategies for adopting a plurilingual approach to English Language Teaching (ELT) which makes principled use of learners’ other languages to enhance learning. Participants will be asked to reflect on beliefs, practices, policies, challenges and opportunities for using learners’ languages in their context to create linguistically inclusive and supportive teaching and learning environments.

#Simultaneous Interpretation (Cantonese and Mandarin) will be provided.