Second Language Teacher Education: Awakened English Teachers.

Abstract

In Asia, with regard to English language teaching, many teacher education programs emphasize ‘teacher education’ whereas many mainstream schools focus on ‘teacher training’. As a result, a substantial number of new English teachers are ‘shocked’ when they are required to teach English in a conventional way which is contrary to their teaching beliefs. This paper attempts to propose some possible solutions to this teaching dilemma. In order to fit into the system, to a certain extent, English teachers need to follow school norms. On the other hand, through teacher development and self-reflection, English teachers could become awakened in light of present circumstances. As awakened teachers, they could negotiate school culture in a positive way; they could reconcile their teaching strategies and the school practices. This paper exemplifies the issues discussed with particular reference to Hong Kong.