Section 3: Cutting edge professional development for language teachers

Nasslie Bratzadeh Khomartash (Ruhr-Universität Bochum) & Dr. Michaela Rusch (Westsächsische Hochschule Zwickau)

Social change, brought about by technical, structural and socio-political changes in (higher) education institutions and often accompanied by a shortage of resources, can to some extent, be perceived as a challenge by foreign language teachers. On the other hand, technological advancements, especially in digitalisation and AI, and the increasing diversity of learners' biographies are ambivalent factors in the teaching and learning of foreign languages. Facing these challenges can, therefore, be seen as an opportunity – for a continuous process of learning and reflection – within contemporary language teacher education and professional development.

The particular way in which foreign language teaching is organised in these circumstances is often reflected in a trend to intensify tasks related to integration and inclusion (at the technical, structural and socio-political levels), both within and outside classroom teaching.

This conference section, therefore, focuses on the following questions:

  • What can new concepts and solutions look like for (these) new realities in the teaching/learning setting?
  • How can prospective and experienced language teachers be prepared, supported and accompanied sustainably through pre-service and in-service training within continuous professional development offerings?
  • What programmes need to be (further) developed so that teachers can acquire and develop the necessary subject and methodological skills, as well as social and personal skills?
  • How can teacher-centred teaching – with teachers seen as agents – be emphasised more than in the past?
  • What demands should contemporary pre-service training and continuous professional development meet with regard to future skills?

The conference section provides a forum for discussing or debating these and related issues. 

The following presentation formats are welcome:

  • Talks (25-minute presentations followed by 10 minute-discussions)
  • Workshops (40 or 80 minutes; please specify desired duration in your proposal)
  • Moderated discussions (40 minutes)