Future Trends in Teaching English Language: 2022 and Beyond

Updated on June 27th, 2024

Intro

There is no one answer to the question of what future trends in teaching English as a second or foreign language will be. This is because the field is constantly evolving and new approaches, methods, and techniques are always being developed. However, some general trends can be identified.

Continued use of technology in the classroom

A trend that is likely to continue is the use of technology in the classroom. This includes the use of digital resources such as online dictionaries and grammar checkers, as well as the use of internet-based platforms such as Skype, Google, and Zoom for distance learning. The advantages of using technology in the classroom are many, including the fact that it can help to engage students and make learning more efficient. For example, online dictionaries can save time by allowing students to look up words instantly, and internet-based platforms can allow for real-time interaction between teachers and students who are in different locations. Also, most students have smart cell phones which they can use for learning purposes. Because of this many educational software developers are making English applications for learning English. For example, Duolingo is a very popular application that is used for learning languages. Also use of social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter are widely used to connect students and teachers from all over the world.

Use of AI (Artificial Intelligence)

Also, a future trend that is likely to emerge is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in language teaching and learning. AI technology is becoming increasingly sophisticated and it is now being used in several different areas, including education. For example, AI-based chatbots are being developed that can provide personalized language learning experiences for students. In addition, AI is being used to create digital assistants that can help with a range of tasks, including providing feedback on students’ writing and speaking. This trend is likely to grow in the coming years as AI technology continues to develop and become more affordable. For example, soon, AI might be used to create digital assistants that can provide feedback on students’ writing and speaking or to develop automated grading systems.

Virtual Reality (VR)

Another future trend that is likely to emerge is the use of virtual reality (VR) in language teaching and learning. VR technology allows users to experience realistic 3D environments and it is already being used in a number of different areas, including education. For example, VR simulations can be used to provide immersive experiences that can help students to learn about different cultures or to practice their language skills. In addition, VR can also be used for assessment purposes. For example, it can be used to test students’ ability to use English in a realistic scenario, such as an airport or a restaurant. This trend is likely to grow in the coming years as VR technology becomes more affordable and more widely available.

Use of big data

Another future trend that is likely to emerge is the use of big data in language teaching and learning. Big data is a term used to describe large and complex data sets that can be difficult to process using traditional methods. However, new technologies are emerging that make it possible to analyze big data sets and extract useful information from them. For example, big data can be used to track students’ progress and identify areas where they need improvement. In addition, big data can also be used to develop personalized language learning experiences for students. This trend is likely to grow in the coming years as big data technology becomes more sophisticated and more widely available.

Moving away from traditional approaches

One trend that is likely to continue is the move away from traditional approaches to teaching and learning. This means that more and more classes are likely to adopt a communicative approach, where the focus is on developing students’ ability to communicate in English rather than simply on acquiring knowledge about the language. This trend is being driven by the increasing importance of English as a global language and the recognition that communication skills are essential in today’s world. For example, the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) has been developed as a way of assessing communicative competence in various languages, including English. Today CEFR can be found on the covers of almost any English textbook. This helps teachers, students, and testing centers navigate through teaching, learning, and testing challenges.

Increased diversity

Another trend that is likely to have an impact on future trends in teaching English as a second or foreign language is the increasing diversity of the student population. Most of this is fuelled by technology where online applications will allow students from different parts of the world to attend the same classes. The increasing diversity of the student population is likely to lead to a greater need for English. This is because English is now spoken as a first language by people from all over the world, and the number of people who are learning English as a second or foreign language is increasing. This diversity means that there is a greater need for educators to be able to cater to the needs of a wide range of learners. This may include a need for more flexible approaches to teaching and learning, as well as a greater focus on the use of technology.

Focus on individual learners

Also, there is likely to be an increasing focus on the needs of individual learners. This means that teachers will need to be more flexible in their approach and adapt their lessons to meet the needs of each student. This trend is being driven by the recognition that each learner is unique and that not all students learn in the same way. In addition, this trend is also being driven by the increasing use of technology in education, as well as the increasing diversity of the student population.

Downward pressure on wages and salaries of English teachers

Another trend that has perhaps already emerged is the downward trend in salaries and wages of English teachers. Since the start of Covid-19 learning and teaching moved online almost overnight, including English. The number of online companies matching English teachers with students mushroomed. Now, with a few clicks parents from Korea and China were able to hire online English teachers for a lot less than they would pay at a local language school for face-to-face classes. Using Zoom, for example, parents now can easily hire well-qualified English teachers from the US, Canada, and the Philippines to teach their children English via Zoom 1:1 for a fraction of the cost they pay at the local English Language school. The market price for English teachers has decreased by a lot. This can be seen in job posts on social media where some English language teaching companies are paying English teachers $3-$5 per hour for online teaching. They usually require highly educated teachers with years of experience. This is likely to hurt the quality of education, as well as the working conditions of English teachers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are a number of trends that are likely to have an impact on future trends in teaching English as a second or foreign language. These trends include the increasing use of big data, the increasing diversity of the student population, the focus on individual learners, and the downward pressure on wages and salaries of English teachers. All of these trends are likely to lead to a need for more flexible approaches to teaching and learning, as well as a greater focus on the use of technology.