Governmental professional development initiatives for the implementation of language policies and curriculum guidelines: Secondary school teachers’ experiences, challenges and views

Abstract

Iniciativas gubernamentales de desarrollo profesional para la implementación de políticas lingüísticas y lineamientos curriculares: experiencias, desafíos y opiniones de maestros de educación básica secundaria Les initiatives gouvernementales de développement professionel pour l'implémentation des politiques linguistiques et des lignes directrices curriculaires: expériences, défis et avis des enseignants de l'éducation secondaire Abstract A case study was conducted to explore public secondary school teachers' perspectives, practices, and experiences concerning the design and implementation of the English curriculum, as well as the professional development offered by the government in order to implement language policies and curriculum guidelines in the city of Medellin, Colombia. The study lasted one year and included a survey, the analysis of curriculum documents from five selected institutions, and focus group interviews as data collection instruments. Results indicate that the initiatives provided by the government have not been effective in supporting teachers in this endeavor as they have been very limited in terms of curriculum design, and reflect a technical view of teacher learning. In addition, several contextual and social factors have tremendously affected the implementation of language policies and curriculum guidelines in schools. Besides, teachers point to several needs, including that they have more time to appropriate and implement reforms, that they be included in policy-making as affected parties, that professional development initiatives be freed from political and economic interests and that they be offered a preparation that combines improving their language proficiency, English teaching methodologies and curriculum design.

Enhancing students critical thinking skills in writing by promoting ESP-based language learning environment

“…Learning in a "flipped classroom" is more effective when it includes interactive educational and pedagogic tools, real-world knowledge, and reference sources (Humrickhouse, 2021). In this article, we will discuss the theory and practice of ESP training (Joo et al, 2017;Rasheed et al, 2020;McKinley & Rose 2018;Sierra-Piedrahita & Echeverri-Sucerquia 2020;Rus, 2019Rus, ). (2019.…”

Enhancing students critical thinking skills in writing by promoting ESP-based language learning environment

“…Learning in a "flipped classroom" is more effective when it includes interactive educational and pedagogic tools, real-world knowledge, and reference sources (Humrickhouse, 2021). In this article, we will discuss the theory and practice of ESP training (Joo et al, 2017;Rasheed et al, 2020;McKinley & Rose 2018;Sierra-Piedrahita & Echeverri-Sucerquia 2020;Rus, 2019). ( 2019).…”