The presenter explores the causes and impact of continuing preconceptions about language teaching despite new knowledge and experiences from teacher preparation course work. The presenter discusses the political and social implications of teaching EFL in a Venezuelan context. She argues that English Teacher education programs emphasize the linguistic knowledge and benefits of English as an International language rather than the political power of English to maintain the US imperialism over the third world. The presenter discusses the genesis, design, and outcomes of the course. Excerpts from writing samples and audiotaped interviews of nonstandard dialect speakers are presented and discussed.
Audience participation is encouraged.
The Teaching English as a Second Language tree poster graphically illustrates the diverse and interdisciplinary nature of the TESL profession. Its purpose is to provide a visual guide as an introduction to the field and to demystify the connections between its specializations. Its intended audience is the new TESL professional. The presenters explain the components of an advanced certificate course designed to develop reflectivity in teachers. They discuss the results of the analysis of the teachers' growth in reflection.