The Evolving Roles of English Language Teachers in the 21st Century

06 Aug, 2022 Education

Educator to enabler – evolving functions of English Language Teachers in 21st Century

Teachers of English as Second Language and Foreign Language (ESL / EFL) teach non-native English language learners (ELL) and train them in learning how to speak, read, write and understand the language. In different parts of the world, the role of teachers of English as Second / Foreign Language is rapidly changing. It is necessary for teachers to be innovative and skilled in traditional and digital systems and develop creative English teaching modules. In tech-paced times a teacher too must continuously upgrade to the latest methods of English Language Teaching (ELT).

Learning with Ed-tech

Technology in education or Ed-tech received a major push with the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic and worldwide lockdown in 2020. As people were forced to stay indoors, academia entered homes via digital ways. Technology disrupted the traditional brick-mortar classroom allowing English language learners to study at their own pace and from their own space. When teaching English in the global age, an ESL educator needs to act as a facilitator as well.

New age teachers must focus on different roles they need to play in today’s ESL/EFL classrooms. It is important for globally competent ESL/EFL teachers to be adaptable, creative, sensitive, and be informed on the changing methods and standards of teaching. Fluent and flawless communication skills are a non-negotiable prerequisite for any English language teacher who delivers lectures. Further, it is a must for ESL teachers to be proficient in computers and various Ed-tech methodologies and digital platforms. With Ed-tech teachers need to be trained to switch between roles of teacher and facilitator when required.

Focussed training

Educators now emphasise on a learner-centred teaching approach. A flexible teaching style that moulds according to diverse student needs is a valuable skill for an ESL teacher. Employing Creative English Teaching methods to focus and develop the learner’s skill. Therefore, ESL teachers in the 21st century require up gradation in their knowledge, skills, adaptability and behaviour according to students.

A creative English teacher must act as a classroom as well as learning facilitators and they must know how to pace lessons and provide meaningful assignments that actively engage students in their learning. In a two-way process, teachers are critical in fostering an English language learner’s interest towards the language. Before teaching students, an ESL educator should become a learner and observe, understand any situation through different perspectives to make the lessons relevant to diverse environments.

Courses for successful ELT

Good ESL/EFL educators are most sought after today. To be a highly effective English language teacher, a multi-disciplinary, multicultural approach and professional skills are preferred requirements. Thus, the role of teacher and facilitator involves training in learning and engaging with the students. Becoming an ESL/EFL teacher in the 21st Century requires more specialised professional training that comes from ELT certificate courses like Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). In an English language teaching classroom, a globally competent ESL/EFL certified teacher performs several roles as a learner, facilitator, assessor, manager and evaluator with different objectives. ESL/EFL teachers with TEFL/TESOL certifications efficiently adapt to the evolving roles of English Language Teachers. The courses help in learning teaching skills, enabling educators to understand the interrelation between language and culture.

• Smita Mehta
• Writer & Editor | PG Journalism & MA Sociology