Trends_in_English_Language_Teaching_and_Research2.pptVIP

Trends in English Language Teaching and Research Beijing Foreign Studies University Liu Runqing Introduction A great deal of research on L2 learning has been carried out since WWII. Over time, as researchers have come to recognize the enormous complexity of L2 learning and its many facets, investigations into this domain of knowledge have become a great deal more diverse and sphisticated. Introduction Whereas in the 1940s and 1950s, learning L2 was seen as a “habit” that learners were expected to develop and maintain, today, L2 studies undertake to gain insight into social, political, cultural, psychological, cognitive, and interactional processes entailed in learning a L2. Introduction With the expanding influence of English as lingua franca and more recently with the widespread availability of technology, the number of L2 English learners has been continuing to grow dramatically worldwide. However, the rising numbers of L2 learners do not merely result in teaching L2 to more people. Introduction The evolving complexities of human societies, political structures, and the ever-increasing pace of globalization have also led to the emergence of new types of learners and learning needs, adding new dimensions to recent research and heightening the need for new knowledge in and a bout L2 teaching and learning. 1. Major Trends In terms of linguistic theory, there is a shift from structuralist linguistics to functional linguistics. In terms of psychology, there is a shift from behaviorist psychology to mentalist psychology and cognitive psychology. In terms of emphasis of teaching, there is a shift from forms to functions. 1. Major Trends 4. In terms of teaching objectives, there is a shift from grammatical competence to communicative competence. 5.In terms of mode of instruction, there is a shift from straight lectures to interaction between teacher and student. 6. In terms of the role of teachers, there is a shift from God to guide, helper, facilitator… 1. Major Tr