Professionalizing Your English Language Teaching

Description:

Written by leading experts in the field of TESOL, this book explores the literature on various topic areas and demonstrates how teachers can increase their levels of professionalism by acquiring some general and field-specific strategies.

Being a teaching professional is not simply about having the right teaching qualifications and good academic standing, it involves a commitment to being innovative and transformative in the classroom and helping both students and colleagues achieve their goals. A dictionary definition of professionalism reads as follows: professionalism is the conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person; and it defines a profession as a calling requiring specialized knowledge and often long and intensive academic preparation (Merriam-Webster, 2013). However, according to Bowman (2013), professionalism is less a matter of what professionals actually do and more a matter of who they are as human beings. Both of these views imply that professionalism encompasses a number of different attributes, and, together, these attributes identify and define a professional.

The book is primarily intended for teachers at all levels and in all contexts who are interested in improving their professionalism and developing strategies that can take them to higher levels in the field of TESOL/ELT.

Table of contents :
Acknowledgements
Contents
Editors and Contributors
Volume Introduction: What It Means to Be a TESOL Professional
1 What is Professionalism?
2 Perspectives on Professionalism
2.1 Historical Perspectives on Professionalism
2.2 Professionalism and ELT
2.3 Empirical Perspectives on Professionalism
3 How This Volume Is Organized
4 Final Thoughts
References
Language Teacher Professionalism: What Would Learners Say (WWLS)?
1 Introduction
2 What is Professionalism in General Then?
2.1 The Evolving Meaning of Professional
2.2 What Does It Mean to Be a “Professional” and Who Defines This?
2.3 What Does It Mean to Be a TEACHING Professional and Who Defines This?
3 Positive Psychology in the Service of Professionalism
4 Nurturing the Teacher-Learner Relationship
5 Conclusion
6 Discussion Questions
References
Language Teacher Professional Identity
1 Introduction
2 Understanding LTI and Its Origin
3 Researching LTI
4 L2 Teachers’ Identity Research: Professional Contexts
5 L2 Teachers’ Professional Identity: Sociopolitical and Economic Contexts
6 LTI and Knowledge
7 Conclusion
8 Discussion Questions
References
Teacher Stress, Its Effects and Management
1 Introduction
2 Definition of Teacher Stress
3 Causes of Teacher Stress
3.1 Teaching the Unmotivated
3.2 Lack of Communication and Input
3.3 Lack of Clarity and Objectives
3.4 Lack of Resources
3.5 Lack of Training/Professional Development
3.6 Lack of Compensation
3.7 Promotional Feedback and Evaluation
3.8 Lack of Decision Making
4 Symptoms of Stress
5 Preventing and Treating Stress
5.1 Set Realistic Goals
5.2 Ask for Help When It is Needed
5.3 Maintain an Active Social and Personal Life Outside of Work
5.4 Maintain a Regimen of Proper Nutrition
5.5 Accentuate the Positive
5.6 Avoid Confrontations
6 Implications for Administrators
6.1 Provide Teachers with Professional/Personal Development Opportunities
6.2 Improve Work Conditions
6.3 Involve Teachers in Decision-Making
6.4 Deal with Compensation Matters
6.5 Reward and Recognize Teacher Efforts
6.6 Be Fair to All Teachers
7 Conclusion
8 Discussion Questions
References
Increasing Your Happiness Quotient
1 Introduction
2 The Development of Positive Psychology
3 What Does the Literature Say About Happiness?
4 Ten Factors that Influence Our Happiness Quotient
4.1 Relationships
4.2 Life Purpose
4.3 Personal Practices
4.4 Personal Characteristics
4.5 Volunteerism
4.6 Use of Our Material Possessions
4.7 Leisure
4.8 Sleep
4.9 Professional Practices
4.10 Flow
5 Practical Suggestions for Increasing Your Happiness Quotient: Taking Advantage of the 40% Solution
6 Final Thoughts
7 Discussion Questions
References
The Importance of Emotional Intelligence Skills for Language Teachers
1 Introduction
2 What is Emotional Intelligence?
3 History of Emotional Intelligence
4 Why is EI Important for Teachers?
5 Models of Emotional Intelligence
6 Research on EI and ELT
7 Strategies for Developing EI Skills
7.1 Self-Awareness
7.2 Self-management
7.3 Social Awareness
7.4 Relationship Management
7.5 General Mood and Adaptability
8 Conclusion
9 Discussion Questions
References
How the Most Productive TESOLers Fit it all in: Strategies for Productivity and Efficiency
1 Introduction
2 Literature Review
3 Defining Productivity
3.1 How Teachers Define a Productive Day
4 Productivity Pitfalls: What to Avoid
4.1 Productivity Pitfall 1: Energy Vampires
4.2 Productivity Pitfall 2: Multi-tasking
4.3 Productivity Pitfall 3: Distractions
4.4 Productivity Pitfall 4: Unproductive and Unnecessary Meetings
4.5 Productivity Pitfall 5: Being Available All the Time
5 Strategies for Increasing Your Productivity
5.1 Take Control of Your Time (Especially Your Mornings)
5.2 Take Care of Yourself
5.3 Create Systems and Routines
5.4 Build Good Relationships
5.5 Use Technology and Technology Tools to Increase Teacher Productivity
6 Conclusion
7 Discussion Questions
References
A Paradigm Shift in Balancing Your Professional and Non-professional Life
1 Introduction
1.1 A Traditional View of Balance
2 The Paradigm Shift: Magic Squares
3 Suggestions for Seeking Balance in Life’s Roles and Responsibilities
4 The Life Audit
5 Conclusion
6 Discussion Questions
References
Developing a Personal and Professional Strategic Plan
1 Introduction
2 What is Personal Strategic Planning?
3 Why Do We Need a PSP?
4 Basic Processes of a Personal Strategic Plan
4.1 Step One: Getting Ready
4.2 Step Two: Identify Core Values and Purposes
4.3 Step Three: Identify Who You Are
4.4 Step Four: Design Rules and Goals for Improvement and to Meet Desired Results
4.5 Step Five: Get Buy-In and Engagement from Those Involved in Your PSP
4.6 Step Six: Celebrate and Revise
5 Considerations When Developing a PSP
6 Strategies for Success
7 Final Thoughts
8 Discussion Questions
References
Listen and Ask, Visualize and Story-Tell: Communication Skills that Develop Our Professional Collective Efficacy
1 Introduction (Tim’s Voice)
2 Listening and Asking
3 Asking on Tests
4 Professional Communication Research for Interview Training and Professional Development (Kevin’s Voice)
5 Story Shaping by Asking Good Questions
6 Concluding Remarks (Tim and Kevin’s Voices)
7 Discussion Questions
References
Enhancing Your English Language Proficiency
1 Introduction
2 NNESTs Language Proficiency
3 Language Proficiency, Teaching Ability and Teaching Outcomes
4 Enhancing NNESTs Language Proficiency
5 Conclusion
6 Discussion Questions
References
Developing Knowledge and Skills for Working with Conflict
1 Introduction
2 Background on Conflict
3 Developing Conflict Competence
3.1 Cognitive Skills
3.2 Emotional Skills
3.3 Behavioral Skills
4 The Process of Resolving Conflict
5 Principles for Working with Conflict
6 Understanding Responses to Conflict
6.1 Passive-Aggressive Style
6.2 Avoidance Style
6.3 Compromising Style
6.4 Collaborating Style
6.5 Forcing Style
7 Conclusion
8 Discussion Questions
References
Professionalizing Your Use of Technology in English Language Teaching
1 Introduction
2 Professionalizing Your Technology Use
3 Effective Teaching Practices
4 Social Media and Participatory Culture
5 Social Trends and Disruption
6 Assessment
7 Ethical Challenges
8 Professional Development
9 Professional Development Resources
10 Conclusion
11 Discussion Questions
References
Establishing Your Online Profile
1 Introduction
2 The Importance of Social Media Networks
3 The Importance of Deciding on a Social Media Platform
4 The Creation of Your Online Profile
5 The Management of Your Online Profile
6 Tips to Create an Impressive Online Profile
6.1 Leave an Impact
6.2 You Teach
6.3 You Administer
6.4 You Research
6.5 Know Your Audience
7 Four Suggestions to Help Impact Your Profile Evidence
8 Conclusion
9 Discussion Questions
References
Transforming Yourself into an Online Educator
1 Introduction
2 Assumptions of Online Teaching
3 Roles of an Online Educator
3.1 Pedagogical Dimension
3.2 Social Dimension
3.3 Managerial Dimension
3.4 Technical Dimension
4 Fulfilling the Roles of an Online Educator
4.1 Pedagogical and Social Roles of an Online Educator
4.2 Managerial and Technical Roles of an Online Educator
5 Continuous Professional Development
6 Conclusion
7 Discussion Questions
References
Developing Leadership Capacity in English Language Teaching
1 Introduction
2 What is Leadership Capacity?
3 Building Instructional Leadership Capacity
4 Building Organizational Leadership Capacity
5 Building Professional Leadership Capacity
6 Final Thoughts
7 Discussion Questions
References
Transitioning from Educator to Educational Leader
1 Introduction
2 The Path from Educator to Educational Leader
2.1 My Leadership Journey
2.2 HELM Educational Model
2.3 Part I of the HELM Model: Leader’s Behaviors
2.4 Part II in the HELM Model: The Leader’s Decisions
3 Future Directions
4 Conclusion
5 Discussion Questions
References
Mentoring and Coaching for English Language Teachers
1 Introduction
2 Mentoring
3 Mentoring Practices for English Language Teachers
4 Coaching
5 Issues in Mentoring and Coaching
6 Supporting Successful Mentoring and Coaching Practices
7 Conclusion
8 Discussion Questions
References
Priming the Pump: Giving Back to the Profession
1 Introduction
2 Mentoring New Teachers
3 Sharing Experience and Expertise with Colleagues
4 Sharing Experience and Expertise Through Writing
5 Volunteering with Professional Organizations
6 Conclusion
7 Discussion Questions
References
Engaging in Reflective Practice: A Practical Guide
1 Introduction
2 What is Reflective Practice?
3 Engaging in RP
4 Some of the Challenges of Engaging in RP, and Meeting Those Challenges
5 Concluding Comments
6 Discussion Questions
References
Continuous Professional Development: The Seeds of Professionalism
1 Introduction
2 Defining CPD
3 Reasons Why CPD Makes Sense
4 Characteristics of Quality CPD
5 CPD: Personal and Institutional Needs
6 Conclusion
7 Discussion Questions
References
Creating Your Own Professional Development and Lifelong Learning Plan
1 Introduction
2 Theoretical Perspectives
3 Practical Perspectives
4 Preparation Strategies
4.1 Reflection on Identity
4.2 Needs Analysis
4.3 Gaps Analysis
4.4 Planning Strategies
4.5 Key Milestones
4.6 Finding Support
4.7 Implementation Strategies: Making It Happen
4.8 Review Strategies
5 Conclusion
6 Discussion Questions
References
Conference Organization as a Path to Professional Development
1 Introduction
2 Timing and Theme
3 The Venue
4 The Call for Proposals
5 The Conference Committee
6 Post Conference
7 The Future of Conferences
8 Conclusion
9 Discussion Questions
References
Engaging in Professional Associations: Professional Organizations as a Critical Component of the ELT Profession
1 Introduction: How Other Professions Have Earned the Public Trust
2 Apply Professional Standards to Hone and Share Your Skills as an Accomplished English Language Teacher
3 Become a Policy Expert and Influence Your Elected Officials
4 Sharpen Your Own Leadership Skills and Help Define the Future of Your Profession
5 Conclusion: ELT Associations Are an Essential Component of Your Growth as an English Language Teacher and Leader
6 Discussion Questions
References
Professionalizing Practice Through Research
1 Introduction
2 Professionalism and Research
3 What is Research?
3.1 Inquiry
3.2 Connection to Practice
3.3 Products
4 Strategies for Leveraging Research as Part of Practice
4.1 Conceptualization and Planning
4.2 Conducting and Reflecting
4.3 Disseminating and Receiving Feedback
5 Resources
6 Final Thoughts
7 Discussion Questions
References
A Research Group as a Professional Learning Community: Collaborations Within and Across Institutions
1 Introduction
2 Conceptual Framework
3 Literature Review
4 PLCs Within and Across Institutions: A Unique Case
4.1 Reflective Dialogue
4.2 Deprivatization of Practice
4.3 Collaborative Activity
4.4 Shared Purpose and Goals
4.5 Collective Focus on Student Learning
5 Forming Meaningful Collaborations Across Institutions: Strategies for Teachers
6 Conclusion
7 Discussion Questions
References
Contextualizing Your Research Project
1 Introduction
2 Contextualizing Research in the Related Literature
3 Advantages of Contextualizing Research in the Related Literature
4 Contextualizing Research in the Setting of the Study
4.1 Research Setting
4.2 Participants
4.3 Data Collection Tools and Procedures
4.4 Timing
4.5 Configuration
4.6 Drawing Comparisons with Prior Research
5 Wider Contextualization of Research
5.1 Connecting Our Research to Other Disciplines
5.2 Connecting Our Research to Other Locations or Settings
6 Conclusion
7 Discussion Questions
References
Growing Our Research Impact
1 Introduction
2 What is Research Impact?
3 How is Research Impact Measured?
3.1 Academic Impact
3.2 Societal Impact
4 What Are Some Strategies to Make Our Research More Visible and Impactful?
4.1 Choosing the Right Journal for Our Research Paper
4.2 Making Our Research Available Online
4.3 Promoting Our Research via Other Platforms
4.4 Reaching Out Beyond Academia
5 How Do We Demonstrate Research Impact?
6 Conclusion
7 Discussion Questions
References
Doing a Conference Presentation
1 Introduction
2 Reasons to Present
3 Should I Become a Presenter?
4 Where Should I Present?
4.1 Local or Regional Conferences
4.2 National or International Conventions
5 How Should I Prepare for a Submission?
6 What Type of Session Format Should I Choose?
6.1 Poster Sessions
6.2 Panels
6.3 Individual Sessions
6.4 Workshops
7 What Topic Should I Present On?
8 Which Conference Should I Go To?
9 Getting Serious
10 The Post Submission Waiting Game
11 Accepted. Now What?
12 Converting Notes into a Presentation
13 The Day Before and the Presentation Day
14 Now the Work Is Done. Not
15 Conclusion
16 Discussion Questions
References
The World Needs You: Sharing Your Work and Getting Published
1 Introduction
2 Why Share Your Work?
3 Where to Share Your Work
4 Developing Your Skills
4.1 Picture Your Reader
4.2 Share Your Writing
4.3 Write with a Co-author
4.4 Read and ‘Reverse Engineer’
4.5 Offer to Read and Review
4.6 Shadow an Editor
4.7 Submit for Publication
4.8 Write!
5 Improving Your Chances of Success
5.1 Be Strategic
5.2 Know the Purposes of the Publication
5.3 Weigh Up the Odds of Acceptance
5.4 Look for ‘Special Editions’ or Special Sections
5.5 Do Your Own Quality Control Before You Submit
5.6 Respond Positively to Feedback
6 Conclusion
7 Discussion Questions
References
Publishing Pedagogical Materials
1 Introduction
2 Why Write and Publish?
3 Required Skills
4 Required Attitude
5 Payment
6 Routes In
7 Conclusions and Follow-Up
8 Discussion Questions
References
Navigating the ELT Employment Landscape
1 Introduction
2 Staying Ahead of the Paper Avalanche
3 Job Search Strategies
3.1 Reflect Before You Leap
3.2 Create a Personal Job Bank
3.3 LinkedIn
3.4 Educational Job Boards
3.5 Certifying Your Documents
4 Maintaining Job-Search Motivation
4.1 Develop a Routine
4.2 Set Attainable Goals
4.3 Focus on Things You Can Control
4.4 Consider Volunteering
5 Conclusion
6 Discussion Questions
References
Expanding Your Geographic Horizons
1 Introduction
2 Benefits of International Travel
3 Practical Perspectives
3.1 In the Beginning—How Our Collaboration Started:
3.2 Language Teaching Associations
3.3 TESOL Affiliate Conferences
3.4 Governmental Agencies
3.5 Non-governmental Agencies and Local and Informal Avenues
3.6 International Project Follow Up
4 Conclusion
5 Discussion Questions
References
Surviving the Promotion and Tenure Process
1 Introduction
2 Teaching
2.1 How is Teaching Defined?
2.2 How Will My Teaching Be Evaluated?
2.3 How Can I Document My Teaching?
3 Research
3.1 How is Research Defined?
3.2 How Will My Research Be Evaluated?
3.3 How Can I Find Time for Research?
3.4 How Can I Document My Research?
4 Service
4.1 How is Service Defined?
4.2 How Will My Service Be Evaluated?
4.3 How Can I Document My Service?
5 Conclusion
5.1 How Can I Get More Information About the Promotion and Tenure Process?
5.2 What Other Issues Should I Be Aware of?
6 Discussion Questions
References
Volunteering Professionally: Service to Your Profession, Your Colleagues and Your Community
1 Introduction
2 Why Give Back to Our Profession?
3 Giving Back by Mentoring
4 Giving Back by Service to the Profession
5 Giving Back by Sharing Knowledge: Presentations
6 Giving Back by Sharing Knowledge: Publishing Your Writing
7 Giving Back Through Lending Your Voice to Advocacy
8 Giving Back Through Giving
9 In Closing
10 Discussion Questions
References
ELT Professionals Prepare for Retirement
1 Introduction
2 What Is Retirement?
3 How to Plan for Retirement
4 Transferable Skills for Retirement
5 Self-Employment
6 Concluding Thoughts
7 Discussion Questions
References