Indoctrination, Empowerment or Emancipation? The Role of ELT in Global Society

Brown, S. and Bicknell, R. (2021) Indoctrination, Empowerment or Emancipation? The Role of ELT in Global Society. In: 32nd IATEFL BESIG Annual Conference, Berlin, Germany, 11–13 October 2019, pp. 7-12. ISBN 9781912588350

Abstract

In a wide-ranging talk at the IATEFL BESIG-GISIG conference in Berlin in October 2019, Steve Brown addressed the current state of English language teaching and what he sees as its increasing commodification. In his view, we are promoting an ideology that monetises learning which requires English and English language programmes to be itemised as marketable commodities. He also states that we are stifling any capacities that might exist within ELT to critically explore and challenge current power structures and processes within global society. Drawing on the work of critical pedagogues such as Paolo Freire and Henry Giroux, he<br/>invited the audience to explore alternatives that promote the emancipation of learners, as opposed to their indoctrination. We should allow learners to identify examples of social injustice and take steps to redress imbalances. This would eventually lead to a model of ELT that is socially responsible but also more congruent with widely accepted principles of language acquisition. This article presents a discussion between Steve Brown and Roy Bicknell, and explores some of the many points which were raised through his talk.

• Item Type: Conference Proceedings
• Keywords: ELT, emancipation, indoctrination, commodification, critical pedagogy.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Brown, Dr Steve
• Authors: Brown, S., and Bicknell, R.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Education
• Publisher: IATEFL
• ISBN: 9781912588350
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2021 The Authors
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced with the permission of the authors

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