Educational Change Amongst English Language College Teachers in China

Educational Change Amongst English Language College Teachers in China
Author: Yulong Li
Publisher: Springer Nature
Total Pages: 157
Release: 2020-04-15
Genre: Education
ISBN: 981153053X

This open access book provides anthropological insights into the arduous yet rewarding journeys involved in selected TESOL teachers’ pedagogical transition to teaching English for Academic Purposes (EAP) at universities in Shanghai, the largest metropolitan area in China. Applying a unique combination of ethnography and phenomenology, the book offers innovative new perspectives on teacher education research. Drawing on the latest language education theory, it outlines a practitioner-friendly approach to EAP literacy. Teacher readers will especially benefit from the case studies presented here, which provide role models for teacher change in educational reform, as well as advice on their academic careers. In addition to addressing a timely and important research gap on EAP teachers in non-Western countries, the book is the ideal choice for readers interested in an update on English education in China.

International Perspectives on Creative Writing in Second Language Education

International Perspectives on Creative Writing in Second Language Education
Author: Bee Chamcharatsri
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Total Pages: 213
Release: 2022-02-10
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1000542122

This volume explores the instructional use of creative writing in secondary and post-secondary contexts to enhance students’ language proficiency and expression in English as a second or foreign language (ESL/EFL). Offering a diverse range of perspectives from scholars and practitioners involved in English language teaching (ELT) globally, International Perspectives on Creative Writing in Second Language Education tackles foundational questions around why fiction and creative writing have been traditionally omitted from ESL and EFL curricula. By drawing on empirical research and first-hand experience, contributors showcase a range of creative genres including autobiography, scriptwriting, poetry, and e-Portfolios, and provide new insight into the benefits of second language creative writing for learners’ language proficiency, emotional expression, and identity development. The volume makes a unique contribution to the field of second language writing by highlighting the breadth of second language users throughout the world, and foregrounding links between identity, learning, and ESL/EFL writing. This insightful volume will be of particular interest to postgraduate students, researchers, and academics in the fields of ESL/EFL learning, composition studies, and second language acquisition (SLA). Those with a focus on the use of creative writing in classrooms more broadly, will also find the book of interest.

Diversity, Inclusion, and Decolonization

Diversity, Inclusion, and Decolonization
Author: Abby Day
Publisher: Policy Press
Total Pages: 284
Release: 2023-11
Genre: Education, Higher
ISBN: 1529216656

Despite progress, the Western higher education system is still largely dominated by scholars from the privileged classes of the Global North. This book presents examples of efforts to diversify points of view, include previously excluded people, and decolonize curricula. What has worked? What hasn't? What further visions do we need? How can we bring about a more democratic and just academic life for all? Written by scholars from different disciplines, countries, and backgrounds, this book offers an internationally relevant, practical guide to 'doing diversity' in the social sciences and humanities and decolonising higher education as a whole.

Teacher Mediated Agency in Educational Reform in China

Teacher Mediated Agency in Educational Reform in China
Author: Hongzhi Yang
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 224
Release: 2015-03-26
Genre: Education
ISBN: 3319159259

This book examines teacher agency in implementing English as a Foreign Language (EFL) curriculum reform in the Chinese university context. It theorizes the concept of teacher agency from a sociocultural theory perspective and draws on a study conducted in a conservative and less developed area in China. The book uses Engeström's activity theory and Vygotsky's concept of the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) to understand the nature and extent of teacher agency in adapting one’s teaching with respect to beliefs, knowledge and instructional practices. The study concludes that curriculum reform in China needs to shift from reliance on 'top-down' policies to 'bottom-up' implementation that mobilizes local understandings and practices. One of the implications of this study is that transformative teacher education programs aimed at developing teacher pedagogical agency require that teachers have ongoing opportunities to design, develop and evaluate curriculum-based mediational means.

Insights in Educational Psychology 2021

Insights in Educational Psychology 2021
Author: Douglas F. Kauffman
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Total Pages: 452
Release: 2023-09-12
Genre: Science
ISBN: 2832533736

This Research Topic is part of the Insights in Psychology series. We are now entering the third decade of the 21st Century, and, especially in the last years, the achievements made by scientists have been exceptional, leading to major advancements in the fast-growing field of Psychology. Frontiers has organized a series of Research Topics to highlight the latest advancements in science in order to be at the forefront of science in different fields of research. This editorial initiative of particular relevance, led by Douglas Kauffman, Specialty Chief Editor of the section Educational Psychology, is focused on new insights, novel developments, current challenges, latest discoveries, recent advances and future perspectives in this field. Also, high-quality original research manuscripts on novel concepts, problems and approaches are welcomed.

A Critical Ethnography of 'Westerners' Teaching English in China

A Critical Ethnography of 'Westerners' Teaching English in China
Author: Phiona Stanley
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 290
Release: 2013
Genre: Education
ISBN: 0415656222

Western 'teachers', many of whom would not be considered teachers elsewhere, teach English in public and private education in China. This book sheds light on their experiences, the effect they have on education and on students' perceptions of 'the West'.

Experiences of Second Language Teacher Education

Experiences of Second Language Teacher Education
Author: T. Wright
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 199
Release: 2014-12-03
Genre: Education
ISBN: 113731625X

This book brings together the voices of teacher educators working in different national and educational settings. It Covers themes such as change in teacher education practices, the influences of context on practice, and of interculturality, to provide rich insights into the processes and effects of second language teacher education.