Innovation in Language Learning
Language Teaching Preparation
Nebojša Radić, University of Cambridge (United Kingdom)
Abstract
Language Teaching Preparation
Nebojša Radić
University of Cambridge
United Kingdom
It was suggested, some twenty years ago and rather unkindly, that teachers who are afraid of being replaced by a computer should be replaced by one. Further development of information technology with special reference to the internet, multimedia interactive capability, social networking tools and personal, easy to use applications have, however empowered the teacher who now represents the essential pedagogical link between students and the (nearly) endless pool of resources.
In this presentation I will explore the final stage of teacher training and support – the preparations that need to be undertaken to teach a specific group of learners in a blended-learning environment in Higher Education.
I will begin with a brief discussion of some of the attributes of the successful language teacher, then proceed by drawing attention to the importance of the institutional context and student needs analysis as well as by taking into consideration the blended mode of delivery. I will discuss the possible teaching philosophy, approach and methodologies and showcase samples of syllabi, lesson plans, multimedia online resources and other digital tools for the administration and delivery of courses.
It is my intention to emphasise, in this presentation, the central role that a reflective language teacher engaged in action research cycles occupies in establishing students as successful life-long language learners.
