Much more attention is paid today to the development of learner autonomy and the socio-cultural competence of students. Modern technologies, such as video and computer-assisted language learning, promote the attainment of this target but they are used on a rather limited scale in secondary school teaching. Among the factors which impede the introduction of new methodologies in foreign language teaching the most essential is the shortage of teachers. The majority of them are highly qualified specialists with appropriate skills. At the same time, the demand of secondary schools for teachers of foreign languages is not satisfied.
Big classes are also an obstacle for implementing new approaches in teaching and learning.
The shortage of teachers is aggravated by the inadequate material base of many pedagogical colleges as well as schools, especially rural ones. Determined measures have been taken by the government in order to improve the situation. Quite recently, compulsory job assignment has been introduced in Belarus for the graduates of all pedagogical colleges and universities. They are obliged to work at schools or other educational institutions for a minimum of 2 years after graduation. There is a growing trend towards paid services in higher education.