International Journal on Studies in English Language and Literature (IJSELL)

Volume 2, Issue 11, November 2014, PP 46-52

ISSN 2347-3126 (Print) & ISSN 2347-3134 (Online)
www.arcjournals.org

Trends in English Language Teaching: A Novel Perspective

R. Abilasha
Assistant Professor
Department of English
Noorul Islam Centre for Higher Education
Kumaracoil
Dr. M. Ilankumaran
Associate Professor
Department of English
Noorul Islam Centre for Higher Education
Kumaracoil
mikumaran@yahoo.com

Abstract: ‘There is nothing permanent except change’ says Heraclites, the pre Aristotelian Greek
philosopher. Change is the law of nature. A trend is the general tendency or direction towards change.
With a number of educational options available before the present generation learners, the newer trends
seem to have emerged in the field of education that have entirely changed the facet of traditional system of
education. Recent trends, methodologies and developments portray the vital role of education sector in
general with its internalization of the education process, stress on quality above quantity, increase in the
adoption of technologies, necessity for professional talent etc.The theories and methods are constantly
evolving in the field of ELT also. This paper presents the famous trends in the ELT that have been used
practically in recent times in the entire world with specific reference to the trends prevalent during the
previous decades.
Keywords: Methods, trends, peer practice, new devices, ICT, pedagogy, learning process, CALL, CLIC,
Cooperative learning , Neuro-linguistics

1. INTRODUCTION
In the present times, so many books have been published in English about English language in
general and English Language Teaching in particular. These books view the subject differently by
presenting a plethora of voices trying to liberalize themselves from the clutches of
traditionalmethods of teaching. The innovation that the researcher talks in the paper pertains both
to methodology and materials used in language teaching. Moreover, this article brings out the
subtle distinction between the scholarly perception of language as treated in research and
pedagogy. The argument advances as the paper proceeds with trends of education with specific
reference to the Indian scenario, methodologies adopted, the bygone methods, the peer practice,
the present trend, new teaching design, new devices, the need for change, the ICT and English
language and also the CALL.
2. GENERAL TREND
English language teaching has undergone tremendous changes over the years, especially the last
ten years. Students are burdened with studying, learning and grasping the materials, and of course,
lectures with the collection of relevant information from prescribed texts. Many career
alternatives once regarded insignificant are gaining importance at present such as communication
skills, soft skills, technical skills, interpersonal skills, ICT literacy etc. The need for chiseled
graduates to merge successfully in the tough competition of survival in the global market is in
great demand nowadays. For this, a change in the trend especially the teaching learning process
of English language has to undergo a transition for the betterment. Seasons change, fashion

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changes, attitudes of human beings change but it is disheartening to note that in the last century
English curriculum has hardly undergone any change.
3. THE INDIAN SCENARIO
There had been much of changes in the attitude of people as to what they perceive to be a
language. When the Indians were tutored by British masters, they were exposed to native
language in every sense of the word. The methodologies adopted were also akin to that of what
was practiced in English speaking countries. After their retirement, the glory, richness, depth and
vastness of the language started fading in India little by little and it has come to a stage wherein
educationalists and language experts thrive hard to choose the best out of the innumerable existing
methodologies. The prevailing trends of teaching English, especially in India, lacked both in
quantity and quality or may fail to obtain a universal appeal. Rigid curriculums and huge syllabi
continue to threaten students who speak regional dialect but love to excel in English.
4. METHODOLOGIES ADAPTED DURING THE PREVIOUS YEARS
Communication is the groundwork based on which any idea can progress and develop into a full
fledged one. Without that, sustenance in any field is impossible. Some of the (recent) trends in the
ELT are quite apparent while the others are still to make their presence felt. Some are yet to come
into existence and therefore subject to evolution and change. During the last decade, various
crucial factors have combined to affect the current ideologies of teaching of English such as the
ineffective methodologies, unsuitable materials, integration of contextualized teaching, over
emphasis on multi language skills etc.
Teachers who practiced Grammar Translation method during the previous decade solely relied on
black board as the apt tool to impart communication skills and the nuances of English language.
Later on, over head projectors, acted as another medium for the teacher dominated class room.
Such teachers believed in the dictum of drill and practice. As such, audio tapes acted as medium
of Audio-lingual method. In the later years of 1970‟s, audio lingual method fell into disregard.
During 1980‟s and 1990‟s, there was a sweeping change over the existing trends then, and more
emphasis was laid on authentic and meaningful contextualized discourse.
5. THEORIES OF THE PAST DECADE
A few theories and trends that shaped the ELT during the past decade include Gardener‟s Theory
of Multiple Intelligence (1993). The same was applied to language teaching as well. This has
paved a way to focus the innate skills, preferences and abilities of students. TG grammar of
Noam Chomsky gave an in-depth analysis of language learning vs. language acquisition. His
observation of B.F. Skinner‟s Theory of Learning brought a revolution in the ideology of
language learning as well as language acquisition. Moreover, Krashen‟s theory of Second
Language Acquisition added spice to flavor. The Total Physical Response Theory of V. Asher
focused on a successful adult second language learning as a parallel process to a child‟s first
language acquisition. Furthermore, the general educational trends like Whole Language
Approach, Cooperative Learning and Neuro Linguistic Programming have influenced language
teaching and learning considerably. With the advent of e-communication, it has been made
possible for the English language teachers to enrich their profession. Apart from this, the Special
Interest Group (SIG), support group discussion and chat room have also enriched their profession.
6. MODERN TRENDS OF TEACHING ENGLISH
Deena Boraie highlights that there are eight trends in teaching of English as discussed further.
“Change is the Goal of Teaching English” says Boraie “In my opinion there are two key changes
in the purpose of teaching English. Firstly, as Penny Ur (2009) noted, the goal is to produce fully
competent English knowing bilinguals rather than imitation of native speakers. The purpose is
not to aspire to become native speakers of English because we are already native speakers of our
own but to focus on English as a means of communication. Secondly, English is not viewed as an
end in itself but as a means to learn content such as science and mathematics”.

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Trends in English Language Teaching: A Novel Perspective

7. CONTENT AND LANGUAGE INTEGRATE LEARNING (CLIC)

The CLIC is an approach where the English teacher uses cross curricular content and so the
students learn both the content and English.
8. EARLY START OF TEACHING ENGLISH
Many countries have started teaching English in earlier grades at school. For example, since 2011,
Saudi Arabia and Vietnam have introduced English from Grade-IV. Also in 2011, Japan
introduced English in the primary stage and in 2012, Dubai introduced English in the KG stage
instead of Grade-I.
9. CHANGE IN THE APPROACH TO TEACHING CULTURE
Both the local or native and international culture dominates in English language classes. There is
less focus on teaching the culture of native speakers of English unless there is a specific purpose
for doing so.
10. CHANGING THE VIEW OF AN ENGLISH TEACHER
It is increasingly being recognized that the quality or effectiveness of teachers is determined by
their linguistic, teaching and intercultural competence rather than their being native speakers of
English.
11. CHANGE IN TEACHING CONTENT AND TEST DESIGN
Teachers use a range of local texts or English translations of literature in the classroom. The use
of language as well as the use of a variety of accents in listening activities or tests is encouraged
in the English language classroom.
12. E-LEARNING
With the proliferation of tablets and smart phones, it is believed that textbooks will disappear in a
few years. Furthermore, the access to knowledge in terms of flexibility and mobility has changed
drastically.
13. STRATEGIC TEACHING AND LEARNING
Teaching in English language classes focuses on fostering the students‟ thinking as well as
language content, outcomes and learning activities. There are significant and complex student-
teacher interactions inside and outside the classroom. The gammification of learning is emerging
as a way to make language learning more engaging and relevant to the younger generation.
14. TEACHERS AS LIFELONG LEARNERS
In a knowledge based society and to remain competitive and employable, teachers are expected to
engage in a continuous professional development or the professional learning activities from the
beginning to the end of their careers. As with any other profession, teachers are also expected to
assume a greater responsibility for their own professional learning, continually developing their
knowledge and skills.
Apart from the abovementioned items, Andrian under Hill lists out the following as the recent
trend which are very much prevalent in English language teaching. They are
1. Networking, interest and support groups.
2. Learner centeredness and learners needs.
3. Reflective practice and teacher learning.
4. Portfolio development for teachers.
5. Syllabus design /materials development.
6. Criticism of published materials.
7. English as an International language.
8. Corpora.

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15. THE PRESENT TREND

All over the world, the student centered English language teachers seem to have realized that gone
are the days when teachers reigned their class with all monopoly where the students remained as
passive. There is rethinking regarding the growing interest of implementing the basic educational
goals. Having realized the need of the hour;the English teachers convene different types of
conferences and seminars to create a platform and to get to know the upcoming ideologies in the
ELT and also to upgrade themselves professionally. Larsen Freeman (2007) asserts that it is the
fifth skill of language that enables the efficiency to use grammatical structures with accuracy.
Academic qualification alone may not help teachers to grow professionally, on the other hand,
they need to be equipped themselves with the current practices. The teaching materials that are
being used in our country are almost made available all over the world. There had been too many
methodologies of teaching English language. One method is embraced as a development of the
other. Still, no method has been a panacea for the solution of the ELT problems. At present, the
era of method is over and the ELT as of the current scenario is in „post method thinking‟.
16. ENGLISH TEACHING AND THE ICT
The third dimension of globalization which is inseparable from English teaching is an
advancement of Information and Communication Technology [ICT]. The field of the ELT has
been deeply pervaded by the ICT. The easy access to technology has made information possible
for enhancement of learning programe and about 80% of it is in English (MC – Crum. R. et al.,
1986). At the outset,the English teachers regarded internet as one of the alternative media to teach
language( Warschauer,1995). The followings are some of the ICT enabled teaching activities.
17. COMPUTER MEDIATED ENGLISH
English, has been undoubtedly the lingua franca of the internet. The Computer Mediated English
uses the language as per convenience and not by convention. For instance, using a single letter or
number for a word. For instance „c,‟ for „see‟, „u‟ for „you‟ and „2‟ for „two‟; the use of
acronyms like TTYL (talk to you later) WUATB (wish you all the best) ; using asterisks‟ *‟ for
emphasis and emoticons for smile, for frown etc. Realizing its significance as a source of
communication, the linguistic elements and discourse of Computer Mediated Communication
(CMC) need a serious concern.
18. COMPUTER ASSISTED LANGUAGE LEARNING [CALL]
Computer Assisted Language Learning is yet another manifestation of Computer Mediated
Language Learning. The first phase of the CALL was conceived in 1950 and was implemented in
1960s and 1970s. In this method, the computer gives a stimulus to the learner by being not a mere
tool but also a tutor.
19. WEB BASED LEARNING
A web based learning also called technology based learning/distance learning/on line education/e
learning is one of the fastest developing areas. It provides opportunities to create well–designed,
learner–centered, affordable, interactive, officiate, flexible e-learning environment (khan, 2005).
There are thousands of English web based classes that offer trainings for a variety of basic
language skills such as Learning, Speaking, Reading and Writing and are made interactive in a
variety of ways. Some of the common technologies available for promotion of education are as
follows:
19.1. E-mail
The students can correspond with native speakers of the target language using e mail by creating
a personal email account (g-mail, yahoo, hotmail, etc) which is free. The students can mail their
home work to the teachers concerned and get it corrected in turn. The teacher can also provide
revisions, feedback, suggestions for the betterment of every work and send them back.
19.2. Blogs
A blog is a personal or professional journal frequently updated for public consumption. The blogs
enable uploading and linking the files which is very much suited to serve as on line personal
journals for students. Pinkman (2005) indicates blogging becomes communicative and interactive
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Trends in English Language Teaching: A Novel Perspective

when participants assume multiple roles in the writing process, as readers/reviewers who respond
to other writers‟ posts, and as writers-readers who, returning to their own posts, react to criticism
of their own posts. The readers in turn can comment on what they read, although blogs can be
placed in secured environments as well.
19.3. Skype
Every internet service has audio functions, and technological instruments like laptops with
cameras. The students could communicate with their teachers and friends who are far away.
Likewise, they could very well communicate with the speakers of native language and get their
pronunciation checked so as to improve their speaking.
19.4. Mobile Phone
Learners can search for new words using dictionary option in the mobile phones and enrich their
vocabulary. They may verify the spelling, pronunciation and usage of the specific word they
searched for. Moreover, they can use Short Message Service (SMS) to send queries to their
instructors and get their doubts cleared.
19.5. Ipods
Ipods, one of the multimedia devices, enhance the users to generate, deliver, exchange texts,
image, audio and video scripts as per the requirement. The teachers send text messages and the
students can read and answer to them. In addition to this, the students can record and listen to
their speeches, poems, news, short stories etc. Thus, ipods give a chance to the learners of
English to improve their listening, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar and also writing.
20. THE NEW AGE DEVICES
This year, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) which was held at Las Vegas, gave a glimpse of
ground breaking devices purely meant for students. These „showpieces‟ ranged from 3D printers
to smart watches. The youth‟s requirements are matched by a new age device, be it studies or
social media, travel or portability. The media streaming devices like the Google chrome cast and
the Rokku make group studies become interactive and presentations surprisingly fulfilled one.
One has to stream the media on to a smart TV using s dongle. Another blessing is the e–reader for
the on-the-move generation. The all new- kindle paper white is a boon. Students can just tuck in
the e- reader for easy reference. The portable document scanner like the Doxie Flip Cordless
Flatbet Photo and notebook scanner are used to get the notes sorted. Other devices like copy and
Olympus which have come with voice recorders can be utilized to record all the English lectures
and be played as and when time permits. The laptop cooler like Thermapak‟s Heat shift could be
used to cool the laptops after long hours of use especially during the CALL sessions for those
who want to share data, notes, they would very well invest on a Maxell Air Stash Wireless Flash
Drive (The Hindu, The Education Plus, 7th July, 2014)
21. LANGUAGE TEACHING DESIGN
Geetha Nagaraj says „A vital development in the area of language teaching design is the Council
of Europe‟s- A Common Frame Work of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching
Assessment, now mostly known as CEF/CEFR is a document consisting of nine chapters and
four apprentices and is available on the Council of Europe website: www.coe.int. The CEFR aims
to provide a common basis for the elaboration of language syllabuses, curriculum… what
learners have to learn… skills they have to develop so as to be able to act effectively….‟
Morrow (2004) identifies four core areas in the CEF (Council of Europe‟s Common Frame Work
of Reference for Languages)
22. THE LEARNER
The CEF analyses the factors that go to make up individual differences.
23. THE LANGUAGE
A clear description of the content in terms of linguistic competency, sociolinguistic competency
and pragmatic competency constitutes a language.

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24. LEVELS OF PERFORMANCE

Using descriptor scales, learners‟ proficiency is measured. Descriptors consist of a series of „can
do‟ statements which received a great deal of attention.
25. TEACHING AND LEARNING
The learner‟s involvement and teacher‟s empowerment are stressed during the teaching and
learning processes.
26. THE TRANSITION OF FOCUS ON THE LEARNER
The conventional method of teaching wherein the teacher enjoys the monopoly of teaching
sometimes even obliterates the pressure of the learners. It is Dewey (1938) who originated the
term „learner centeredness‟ which has gained popularity in the ELT. The Humanistic Approach
which was developed during the second half of the Communicative Language Teaching,
developed in the 1960s and 1970s was an outcome of the desire to make language teaching more
flexible and more responsive to students (Tudor 1996, 7).
27. THE ROLE OF A MODERN TEACHER
Dornyei and Murphey (203, 109) have defined the term „role‟ as a technical term which originally
comes from sociology and refers to the shared expectation of how an individual should behave.
Several methodologists like Little Wood [1981], Richards and Rodgers [1986], Tudor [1993],
Harmer [2001] have evolved different roles for a language teacher.
Richards and Rodgers conceive a teacher‟s role as a part of „design‟, component of a method.
Little Wood conceptualizes the role of the teacher as a facilitator of learning, an overseer, a
classroom manager, a consultant or adviser and at times a co-communicator with the learners. To
Harmer, a teacher plays the role of a controller, organizer, assessor, promoter, participant,
resource, tutor and observer. Tudor also perceives the role of a teacher in the learner centered
classroom.
Task Based Language Teaching (TBLT), the current paradigm is basically an off shoot of
Communicative Language Teaching. Nuan (2004,12) points out „experiential learning or learning
by doing‟ as the main conceptual basis for the TBLT. The TBLT breaks down the barriers of the
traditional classroom, because in the TBLT, the role of the learner is significantly altered. The
teacher becomes a true facilitator of learning for the language learners, purely by means of
dialogic communication (Vygotsky, 1978). The teacher‟s role is not shunned altogether but is
restricted; the teacher is expected to be a guide by the side.
28. CONCLUSION
The traditional method lays more emphasis on a teacher himself and is teacher centered.
Repetitive practice, mechanical drills and memorization are the hallmarks of the traditional
methods. Wilkins (1976,2) calls a synthetic in which different parts of the language are taught
separately and step by step so that acquisition is a process of gradual accumulation of parts until
the whole structure of language has been built up. The autocratic or the authoritative role of the
teacher which pertains to the long cherished traditional notion that pedagogic principles depend
on how articulately a teacher teaches. It is imperative to understand the current trends and
evaluative methods of the ELT. The theories and methods are constantly evolving in the ELT.
The teachers of the ELT are aware of the best practices in teaching and learning English and how
they can be made beneficial to the students. It is possible for every child to learn English in the
most enjoyable manner if it is supplied with the right kind of materials and pedagogy produced by
one‟s own native wisdom. A beautiful combination of art and science, with a fine tune of as many
tools as possible to the repertoire can help an ELT to excel in his/her field.
REFERENCES
[1] Trends in English Language Teaching Today by Adrian Under hill, A 2004, April. Trends in
English Language Teaching Today. MED Magazine, issue 18 retrieved September 15, 2007.
[2] Trends in English Language Teaching Today by YogeshRamani.
[3] Trends in the Education of English Language Learners by Mary Ann Zehr March 10, 2008.

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Trends in English Language Teaching: A Novel Perspective

[4] 8 Current Trends in Teaching and Learning EFC / ESL by Deena Boraie Dec13, 2013.
[5] Current Trends in ELT by Yong Kim Journal of English Teaching. A Triannual Publication
on the Study of English Language Teaching Vol.1 Feb2011.
[6] Nagaraj, Geetha. English Language Teaching Approaches, Methods, Techniques IIedition.
Orient Black Swan Hyderabad 1996. Print.
[7] Patil, Z.N. Innovations in English Language Teaching - Voices From the Indian Classroom
Orient Black Swan. Hyderabad2012. Print.
[8] „The Hindu‟ The Education plus, 7th July 2014.

AUTHORS’ BIOGRAPHY
Dr. M. Ilankumaran, having English Language Teaching (ELT) as
specialization in his M. Phil and Ph.D with an experience of more than two
decades at various levels, is at present Associate Professor of English teaching
the students of B.E/B.Tech programmes and M.A. & M.Phil courses and
Coordinator of First Year B.E/B.Tech programmes as well in Noorul Islam
University, Kumaracoil, Kanyakumari District. With all earnestness, he
conducts workshops for the English fraternity on Effective Communication
skills. He is a visiting faculty teaching „Applied Linguistics‟ and „English for
Communication‟. Besides being an able administrator, ne, to his credit, has published several
articles on ELT in conferences, journals at national and international levels.
Ms. R. Abilasha has several year of teaching experience in imparting
English Grammar and Language. She is currently working as an Assistant
Professor of English handling courses on Communicative English to the
B.E./B.Tech students and Literature and Language to the M.A./M.Phil
students. She is pursuing Ph.D in ELT under the guidance of Dr. M.
Ilankumaran. Her areas of interest are English Language Teaching and
Comparative Literature. She is a committed language teacher who has ardent
fervor in uplifting the communicative capabilities of the students.

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