Innovation in Language Learning

Teachers of languages face several hurdles in today's classrooms. These include, but are not limited to, diverse student needs, limited instructional time, large class sizes, assessment pressures, limited resources, motivating students and sociocultural and linguistic diversity. To overcome these challenges, teachers need to adopt flexible teaching strategies, incorporate student-centered approaches and leverage technology appropriately in order to create effective language learning experiences. In such an evolving educational landscape, language teachers’ training courses need not only address the specific requirements of teachers that may vary depending on the context, the language being taught and the proficiency level of their students but also several other key areas, designed to provide teachers with practical strategies and resources they can apply in their classrooms. This is essential, even in the light of the fact that in many countries students are shunning foreign language learning, especially due to a perceived lack of relevance and a limited exposure to authentic language use, making it crucial for teachers to provide authentic language experiences in class, to integrate technology effectively, to foster a positive learning environment and, above all, to connect language learning to the students' personal interests and goals. 

Keywords: language teaching; teacher training; classroom challenges.