Member-only story

Glocalising Teaching English As An International Language: New Perspectives For Teaching And Teacher Education In Germany (Routledge Advances In Teaching As An International Language 3)

Calvin Fisher

·5.9k Followers· Follow

Published in Sandeep Kumar Mishra

4 min read

324 View Claps

36 Respond

Save

Listen

In the globalised world we live in, English has become an indispensable means of communication. As a lingua franca, it fosters cross-cultural understanding and socio-economic development. However, traditional English language teaching (ELT) methods often fail to address the diverse needs of learners from different cultural backgrounds. Glocalising ELT aims to bridge this gap by incorporating local perspectives and contexts into the curriculum. This approach empowers learners to become more effective communicators in their own communities while also developing global competency.

What is Glocalising Teaching English as an International Language?

Glocalisation refers to the process of adapting global products and services to local conditions. In the context of ELT, glocalisation involves tailoring teaching methodologies and content to the specific needs, values, and experiences of learners in a particular locale. This approach balances the universal aspects of English language learning with the unique cultural and linguistic features of the learner's environment.

Benefits of Glocalising ELT

1. Enhanced Communicative Competence:Glocalised ELT helps learners develop both global and local communicative competence. They learn to navigate diverse cultural contexts and communicate effectively with both native and non-native speakers of English.

Glocalising Teaching English as an International Language: New Perspectives for Teaching and Teacher Education in Germany (Routledge Advances in Teaching ... as an International Language Series Book 3)

by Sandeep Kumar Mishra

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5111 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	406 pages

2. Increased Cultural Awareness:By incorporating local perspectives into the curriculum, glocalisation fosters cultural awareness and empathy. Learners gain insights into their own culture and others, promoting tolerance and understanding.

3. Improved Engagement and Motivation:When lessons are relevant to learners' lives and experiences, they become more engaged and motivated. Glocalisation creates a sense of connection and ownership, making the learning process more meaningful and rewarding.

4. Local Empowerment:Glocalised ELT empowers learners by equipping them with the skills and knowledge to participate actively in their local and global communities. They become agents of change, capable of bridging cultural divides and promoting sustainable development.

Glocalisation in Practice

Glocalising ELT can be implemented in various ways:

1. Developing Culturally Responsive Materials:Textbooks, online resources, and other learning materials should reflect the local context and values of learners. This includes incorporating local stories, idioms, and cultural references.

2. Using Local Teachers:Local teachers possess invaluable knowledge of the local culture and can provide authentic insights to learners. Involving them in the teaching process ensures that local perspectives are fully integrated.

3. Incorporating Local Events and Activities:Connecting classroom learning to real-world events and activities helps to make the lessons more interactive and memorable. For example, field trips to local landmarks or dialogues with community leaders can provide rich cultural experiences.

4. Prioritizing Learner Agency:Glocalised ELT encourages learner agency by allowing students to share their own experiences and perspectives in class discussions and projects. This promotes critical thinking and fosters a sense of ownership over the learning process.

Glocalising teaching English as an international language is an essential approach for empowering learners in today's interconnected world. By balancing global and local perspectives, ELT can become more inclusive, engaging, and impactful. As we move towards a truly globalized society, glocalisation is more vital than ever in equipping learners with the skills and understanding they need to navigate and thrive in both local and international contexts.

by Sandeep Kumar Mishra

4.6 out of 5