Open AccessESL or EFL, Same or Different? - The Question of Professional Roles
Author(s) -
John Sivell
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
tesl canada journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1925-8917
pISSN - 0826-435X
DOI - 10.18806/tesl.v4i1.493
Subject(s) - adaptation (eye) , comprehension , psychology , pedagogy , professional development , listening comprehension , mathematics education , linguistics , communication , philosophy , active listening , neuroscience
It is readily agreed that appropriate teaching methods and classroom materials can vary widely between ESL (for instance in Anglophone Canada) and EFL (in a non-Anglophone environment abroad). However, this article suggests that additional changes between the two domains also exist: ESL instructors moving into EFL overseas will often find their role as language teaching professionals considerably modified, in terms of their politico-cultural impact, their professional prominence, and their psychological security. Adaptation to such changes - both for maximized effectiveness and satisfaction abroad, and for greatest long-term growth after returning home-depends on clear-sighted expectation and comprehension of the demands of these challenging but rewarding new experiences.