The Paraná Speaks English Program in Teacher Education

Abstract

At the interface between internationalization and language policies (ALTBACH; KNIGHT, 2007), the Paraná Speaks Languages (English) Program emerges as a strategy for the internationalization of universities in the state of Paraná. In this respect, this qualitative case study endeavored to describe and explain the extent to which the Program can contribute to the process of continuing teacher education. In addition, the study sought to discuss future actions, mediated by the Program, aiming at an improvement in teacher education. Through theoretical-methodological sessions and semi-structured interviews, the study involved three English teachers and a pedagogical coordinator. Results indicate that the continuing teacher education in the Program is characterized by didactic-pedagogical and administrative challenges and benefits (gains) in terms of pragmatic, cognitive and empowerment domains.