Abstract
In a wide-ranging talk at the IATEFL BESIG-GISIG conference in Berlin in October 2019, Steve Brown addressed the current state of English language teaching and what he sees as its increasing commodification. In his view, we are promoting an ideology that monetises learning which requires English and English language programmes to be itemised as marketable commodities. He also states that we are stifling any capacities that might exist within ELT to critically explore and challenge current power structures and processes within global society. Drawing on the work of critical pedagogues such as Paolo Freire and Henry Giroux, he
invited the audience to explore alternatives that promote the emancipation of learners, as opposed to their indoctrination. We should allow learners to identify examples of social injustice and take steps to redress imbalances. This would eventually lead to a model of ELT that is socially responsible but also more congruent with widely accepted principles of language acquisition. This article presents a discussion between Steve Brown and Roy Bicknell, and explores some of the many points which were raised through his talk.
invited the audience to explore alternatives that promote the emancipation of learners, as opposed to their indoctrination. We should allow learners to identify examples of social injustice and take steps to redress imbalances. This would eventually lead to a model of ELT that is socially responsible but also more congruent with widely accepted principles of language acquisition. This article presents a discussion between Steve Brown and Roy Bicknell, and explores some of the many points which were raised through his talk.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | IATEFL BESIG Berlin 2019 Conference Selections |
Subtitle of host publication | 32nd Annual Conference Berlin, Germany 11–13 October 2019 |
Editors | Roy Bicknell, Markus Dietz |
Place of Publication | Faversham |
Publisher | IATEFL |
Pages | 7-12 |
Number of pages | 6 |
ISBN (Print) | 9781912588350 |
Publication status | Published - 19 Jan 2021 |
Publication series
Name | IATEFL BESIG Berlin 2019 Conference Selections |
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Publisher | IATEFL |
Keywords
- ELT
- emancipation
- indoctrination
- commodification
- critical pedagogy