Innovations in Teaching-Learning of English in the Developing World: Looking towards the Future
Teaching English as a second language is an arduous task at various levels of student engagement in Pakistan. Historically, English has remained a language of utmost importance. One of the main reasons is its undisputed position as a language of upward social and economic mobility. This stance, however, does not match with the existing reality as many students still remain inadequate users of English language. The factors attributing to the inefficiency of language use can range from insufficient resources to teach language, poor instructional methods, unsatisfactory language skills of teachers and many more. Seeking alternative and innovative ways of teaching English language has therefore become imperative as the world of education is pacing fast towards transforming student lives with multidisciplinary education, critical and analytical thinking, and more technological integrative mechanisms.
The panel of ELT experts will deliberate on the various ways in which innovations could transform the English language and teaching network in Pakistan. The panel will build a case in perspective with respect to the ways the ELT world functions in Pakistan. Based on the context and the expectations of the 21st century, the panel will provide a thoughtful analysis of the developments that can further strengthen ELT teaching and learning in Pakistan.
Moderator: Dr. Fatima Dar
Dr Fatima Dar is Director Centre for English Language and Centre for Curriculum and Professional Development at Iqra University, Karachi. She has 24 years of experience as a teacher educator and consultant. She has earned her PhD from Asia E University Malaysia, and has a masters in curriculum and teaching from Columbia University, USA
Panelists
Hywel Coleman OBE is Honorary Senior Research Fellow in the School of Education, University of Leeds, and also a Life Fellow of the University. He works in the fields of sociolinguistics, language policy and planning, and language education, with a focus on language and development. Hywel has authored and edited 13 books as well as journal articles, book chapters and research reports.
Lucilla Lopriore, full professor, Roma Tre University. MA TEFL, Reading University; PhD, Siena University.
TESOL Italy President (1996-98), TESOL Intl. Board of Directors member (2001-2004), TESOL Intl. Research
Professional Council Chair (2017). Italian national coordinator of the Early. Language Learning in Europe
(ELLiE) project (2006-2010).
Sajida Zaki is Professor of English and Applied Linguistics & Chairperson Humanities Department NED University. She has a rich, professional career and experiences as ELT, Teacher educator, academic lead,and researcher.She is also the founding editor of the international journal-JSSIR published by the Humanities Department
Shahnaz Wazir Ali’s career as an educationist and social reformer spans over 37 years. She holds a Masters degree in Education from The University of Arkansas (USA) and in Educational Management from Trenton College, New Jersey. She has served as member of the National Assembly twice and has also been special assistant to Prime Minister on social sectors. Her major contributions in education are the establishment of Prime Minister’s Literacy Commission, National and Provincial Education Foundations and National Education Assessment System. In 2009 she held the charge of Higher Education Commission as well. At present she serves as the President of SZABIST
One of SPELT founder members, Prof. Zakia Sarwar has over 50 years of experience in education. She has done action research in her classrooms since 1983, and specializes in handling large classes with limited
