Internet solutions to the Internet solutions to the challenges of globalizationchallenges of globalization

David NunanSenior ELT Advisor

MagicalLab

OverviewOverview

Unprecedented demand for English language. English, the language of business, entertainment,

science and technology and popular culture. Demand for English language teaching far

outstripping the capacity of the profession to deliver effective English language programs.

The Internet as a tool for delivering cost0effective instruction.

TrendsTrends

1. An explosion in demand for language training worldwide.

2. Changing philosophies of language and language learning

Trend 1: An explosion in demandAn explosion in demandfor language training worldwidefor language training worldwideTrend 1: An explosion in demandAn explosion in demandfor language training worldwidefor language training worldwide

Study of 25,000 employees of global corporations, 91% said that English was “critical” or “important” to their current position.

Only 9% said that their English was sufficient to do their job.

Importance for Current J ob

68%

22%

5%

4%

1%

critical

important, but not required

helpful, but not important

not important now, will be in future

important, but personal interest

Purposes for English use in the workplace

Purposes for English use in the workplace

Telephone calls (77%) Socializing with co-workers and

clients (66%) Meetings (64%) e-mails (63%) Answering questions (58%)

(Source: TIRF)

The impact of multilingualism The impact of multilingualism

High levels of multilingualism = greater chance of employment and higher wages

Small – medium businesses lose tens of millions of dollars because of poor language skills.

Assessing applicants’ language capabilities Assessing applicants’ language capabilities

Job interviews and tests

Most common tests:

Europe – Cambridge exams and CEF links assessments

TOEIC

Promoting language proficiency

Promoting language proficiency

Instructed and self-directed

Onsite and offsite classes, one-on-one and small group tutoring

Individual development plans

Just-in-time on-the-job support

e-mentoring and e-tutoring

Time to proficiencyTime to proficiency

Intermediate: 400 – 1,200 hours

Advanced: 800 – 2,400 hours

ImplicationsImplications

“multilingualism facilitates participation in the global economy and is a critical factor in upward and global mobility and social and cultural integration”

“Nations that promote multilingualism create individuals with skills that global corporations value” (TIRF)

Trend 2 Changing philosophiesChanging philosophiesof language and language learningof language and language learningTrend 2 Changing philosophiesChanging philosophiesof language and language learningof language and language learning

Language as a body of content to be mastered to pass exams versus language as a tool for communication

Challenges - CorporationsChallenges - Corporations

Technology has created expectation for frequent and instant communication

Need for English communication now stretches across all levels of the organization and is growing quarterly

Global companies are increasingly knowledge-centric

Classroom instruction is not practical as a total solution for logistical and cost reasons – need a more scalable solution

Employees cannot advance without English communication skills

Challenges - InstructionChallenges - Instruction

Explosion in demand for trained teachers

Differentiated curricula for different learner needs: ESP versus GPE

Inadequacy of lock-step instruction for individualization

Standards and performance based instruction

Roles for Internet ResourcesRoles for Internet Resources

As a replacement for the teacher As a supplement to classroom

instruction As a learning management tool As a performance support or

productivity tool As a resource for retooling

classroom instruction Democratizes learning in

corporations Improvements in technological

delivery of training… more interactive, engaging and effective that in the past

As a Learning Management ToolAs a Learning Management Tool

Individualized study plans

Anywhere / anytime instruction

Patient tutoring Self-pacing A private space to

make mistakes Immediate,

personalized feedback

Further InformationFurther Information

Nunan, D. 2002. The role of language and culture within the accountancy workplace In C. Barron, N. Bruce and D. Nunan (Eds.) Knowledge and Discourse: Towards and Ecology of Language. London: Longman/Pearson.

Nunan, D. 2003. The impact of English as a global language on educational policies and practices in the Asia-Pacific region. TESOL Quarterly, 37, 4, 2003, 589 – 613.

Nunan, D. 2005. The Evolution of Technology and Value of Online English Language Learning. While paper. San Francisco: GlobalEnglish.

Urvin, J. 2008. The Roles of English and Multilingualism in the Global Innovative Economy. TIRF.