21st Century Teaching and the Global Scale of English
On February 24, 2021, the Language Research Center hosted a webinar featuring a presentation by Ms. Arshi Khatoon on "21st Century Teaching and the Global Scale of English." Ms. Khatoon underscored the importance of incorporating the latest educational theories and effective teaching methods to achieve optimal learning outcomes.
In her presentation, Ms. Khatoon highlighted the necessity of modern skillsets for learners in our global and interconnected society. She reinforced the importance of 21st-century skills as prerequisites for learners' success, referencing a quote by David Nunan, who heralded the Global Scale of English as the most significant progression in performance-based language learning, teaching, and assessment since the development of the Common European Framework of Reference.
Ms. Khatoon proposed that educators can utilize the Global Scale of English as a strategic guide for student progression. She emphasized that educators and learners should first reflect on their current proficiency level in English, assess their progression, and identify their next learning targets. To address these queries effectively, she advised both educators and learners to familiarize themselves with the English learning ecosystem.
This ecosystem, as Ms. Khatoon explained, necessitates a clear definition of specific proficiency levels, alignment between learning materials and 'levels' of proficiency, and an in-depth understanding of assessment tests aimed at profiling learners' proficiency across the four basic language skills. The Global Scale of English, she elaborated, offers a precise, standardized measure of English language proficiency that identifies a learner's capabilities across the four skills at each point on the scale. The primary objective of the scale is to stimulate learner motivation.
Focusing on Learning and Innovation Skills, she introduced the 4Cs – Critical thinking, Communication, Collaboration, and Creativity. These skills equip learners to succeed in their professional lives. The 4Cs also afford learners advanced opportunities to cultivate foundational knowledge and skills, alongside ensuring they possess the necessary academic, socio-emotional, and workforce skills for success.
Ms. Khatoon posited that the fundamental elements of 21st-century learning empower learners to prepare independently for their future careers. She underscored the need for lessons to be designed in alignment with 21st-century themes.
In conclusion, Ms. Khatoon emphasized that learners require the ability to think critically and creatively, collaborate efficiently, and communicate effectively.
The webinar, attended by an enthusiastic audience, provided a thoughtful discourse on modern teaching approaches and the Global Scale of English.
