• University of Southampton
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Decolonial Perspectives: Innovating English Language Teaching

Join the University of Southampton’s course to rethink English Language Teaching with decolonial approaches.

Portrait of smiling young Asian woman teaching language to a diverse group of students, three of whom are visible

Decolonial Perspectives: Innovating English Language Teaching

  • 2 weeks

  • 4 hours per week

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Introductory level

Find out more about how to join this course

  • Duration

    2 weeks
  • Weekly study

    4 hours
  • 100% online

    How it works
  • Unlimited subscription

    $244.99 for a whole yearLearn more

Implement decolonial theory in your English teaching practice

Unlock the transformative potential of decolonial approaches to English Language Teaching with the University of Southampton. This short course empowers you to rethink traditional teaching models and embrace a more inclusive framework.

You’ll integrate diverse perspectives that resonate globally, enhancing your professional growth and your students’ learning experiences.

Implement decolonial theory in your teaching

On this two week course, you’ll dive into the foundational concepts of decolonial theory and discover how these ideas can revolutionise your teaching methods.

The course aims to help you understand how incorporating decolonial perspectives leads to more equitable learning environments.

Transform your classroom with decolonialised materials

You’ll discover how to create and implement teaching materials that reflect decolonial values. The course prepares you to engage with resources that offer broader perspectives, resulting in a more dynamic and meaningful learning experience for your students.

Design a decolonial-informed syllabus

Lastly, you’ll learn to create a syllabus that aligns with decolonial principles and meets the needs of diverse student populations.

You’ll explore incorporating multilingualism, cultural content, and innovative assessments into your curriculum to foster a richer educational environment.

As you complete this course with the University of Southampton, you’ll gain invaluable insights and skills to evolve as an educator. Embracing decolonial theory and Global English enhances your teaching framework and empowers your students to thrive in an interconnected world.

You’ll be equipped with the knowledge to lead meaningful changes in ELT, fostering a learning space that is inclusive, dynamic, and transformative.

Syllabus

  • Week 1

    Decolonising English Language Teaching: theories and approaches

    • Will Baker and Sonia Moran Panero talking to camera

      What is this course about?

      In this section, we will introduce you to the course. We will consider the information covered in this course and why it might be important in English Language Teaching.

    • Wall with grafitti saying 'decolonizar'

      Understanding key terms

      In this section, we will consider the key terms '(de)colonialism' and 'decoloniality'. We will think about how they have been defined by researchers and how such ideas relate to the use of English.

    • Colourful graffiti on a Mexican street

      Decoloniality and English

      In this section, we will reflect upon how themes from research into decolonialism and Global Englishes might begin to relate to ELT practice and to English language students.

    • A teacher writing on a whiteboard in front of a class

      Diversity and English Language teaching

      In this section, we will begin to consider how the theoretical ideas we have presented about decolonisation and Global Englishes relate to English language teaching practice.

    • Doors with one half multi-coloured and the other half monochrome

      Summary activities

      In this final section, we summarise the main points covered this week and encourage you to reflect on what you've learned and what aspects you will put into practice.

  • Week 2

    Decolonising your ELT classroom: from theory to practice

    • Will Baker and Sonia Moran Panero talking to camera

      Introduction to week 2

      In this section we introduce the content for this week and find out what you hope to learn.

    • Will Baker and Sonia Moran Panero talking to camera

      Decolonising the classroom: embracing linguistic diversity

      In this section, we will consider how linguistic diversity in the ELT classroom can be embraced and utilised to support a decolonised teaching and learning approach.

    • Books, papers, resources for learning

      Curricula, materials and resources

      In this section, we will consider how ideas of decolonisation might be applied to the development of curricula, materials and teaching resources.

    • A group of multicoloured hands raised

      Innovating teaching and assessment

      In this section, we discuss innovative approaches to rethinking teaching and assessment through a decolonial lens.

    • Doors with one half multi-coloured and the other half monochrome

      Summary activities

      In this final section, we summarise the main points covered this week and encourage you to reflect on what you've learned and what aspects you will put into practice.

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • evaluate the relevance of decolonial theory and Global Englishes applied to ELT
  • assess the relevance of decolonial approaches to teaching approaches, materials, syllabus, assessment, and policy
  • assess the applicability of decolonial theory and Global Englishes-informed pedagogy in diverse local ELT contexts
  • identify potential benefits, challenges and constraints of Global Englishes and decoloniality-informed approaches to ELT
  • apply decolonial theory and Global Englishes research to independently design and evaluate educational transformations for a given ELT context
  • develop understanding of the terms 'Global Englishes' and 'decolonialism'

Who is the course for?

This course is for English language teachers seeking to integrate decolonial theory into their practices, enhance inclusivity, and embrace Global Englishes to enrich their teaching approach.

Who will you learn with?

Will  Baker

I am an Associate Professor in Applied Linguistics and Director of the Centre for Global Englishes, University of Southampton. I research/teach Global Englishes, Intercultural Communication and ELT.

Sonia Moran Panero

I am a Lecturer in Applied Linguistics at the University of Southampton. My research draws from ELF and Decoloniality studies to explore the use, teaching and learning of English as a lingua franca.

Who developed the course?

University of Southampton

University of Southampton

Southampton is a place for ambitious people keen to stretch their intellectual abilities and help change the world.

Endorsers and supporters

funded by

British Council

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Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$244.99 for a whole year

Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$54/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 24 Mar 2025

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

Sale price available until 3 March 2025 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

Sale price available until 3 March 2025 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.

Learning on FutureLearn

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  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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