Dr K Elango

Retd. Professor and Head of English, Anna University, Chennai

Abstract of the talk

The eco system of Indian teachers’ research – An ‘unrosy’ picture

The presentation is to focus on aspects such as: Current research ecosystem in India, Kinds of teacher researchers, Rigid structures of research, Role of the guides, UGC flip-flops, Research in the scientific world, Flexible models for research, and end with suggesting a trajectory for research at multiple levels.

Bionote

After having worked for thirty odd years in the college service, retired from Anna University as Professor of English. Dr K Elango is currently the Secretary of English Language Teachers’ Association of India – the oldest and the largest association for teachers of English at all levels. The association is attempting to develop indigenous approaches for teaching English rooted to the ground realities and as an integral part of it a movement called, India Reads, is launched recently.

Dr Amol Padwad

Professor and Director, Centre for English Language Education (CELE), Ambedkar University, Delhi

Abstract of the talk

Teacher Research: Back to some basics?

Teacher research (TR) seems to be catching the imagination of a range of stakeholders in the Indian ELT, from teachers and teacher educators to teacher associations, universities and educational administrators. This presentation will discuss some examples of TR initiatives in India and try to identify what conceptualisation of and assumptions about TR seem to inform them. Based on this discussion, it will attempt to highlight some key issues and concerns which arguably deserve much closer attention, if TR is to be an effective channel of teachers’ professional development. The presentation will argue for a critical evaluation of current TR notions and practices, involving a revisit to the basics of TR.

Bionote

AMOL PADWAD is currently Professor and Director, Centre for English Language Education, Ambedkar University, Delhi and has 35 years of teaching, training and research experience. He is the Secretary, AINET Association of English Teachers (AINET), besides being a former National President of English Language Teachers’ Association of India (ELTAI). His areas of interest include teacher development, teacher research, history of ELE, teacher communities and networking and translation studies.

Dr T Shrimathy Venkatalakshmi

Professor and Head, Dept of English, Anna University, Chennai

Abstract of the talk

Is ELT research in India at the crossroads?

The teaching of English as a second language in India, particularly at the tertiary level, has witnessed some unexpected upheavals in recent times, especially with the continuation of English as the medium of instruction at the higher education level. While policy makers are in the process of deciding the continuation of English at higher education, ESL practitioners and researchers should be worried about the direction and the focus of research in the field, more importantly relevance of research in the field. Understanding the relevance and the need for research in ELT will help ESL teachers and help the field grow.

Dr Ravinarayan Chakrakodi

Professor and Academic Head, Regional Institute of English South India, Bengaluru

Abstract of the talk

Promoting teacher research in teacher education programmes

Teacher research is a powerful means for teacher professional development and teacher educators are crucial players in initiating and sustaining teacher research activities in any educational system. Therefore, it is imperative for teacher educators to develop their research competence and, in turn, support teachers to systematically research their classroom practices. Research-literate teacher educators can share their knowledge, experience and skills with teachers, act as research mentors and effect policy change at pre- as well as in-service teacher education programmes.

In this talk, I make a strong case for developing research competence and teacher research mentoring skills in teacher educators. Teacher education institutions should take appropriate measures to support teacher educators in this regard and strengthen teacher education at all levels.

Bionote

Dr Ravinarayan Chakrakodi is Professor and Academic Head at the Regional Institute of English South India, Bengaluru. He has a vast experience of more than 16 years in the field of teacher training and teacher education. He has published a book titled ‘Learn English Teach English: English Skills for Teachers’ and several research-based papers in national and international journals. He is currently leading a project on ‘Developing Multilingual Pedagogy for Classrooms’ at RIE Bengaluru.

He has worked as the Lead Coordinator for the British Council’s Action Research Mentoring Scheme (ARMS) for the 2019-20 cohort. He has an MA in TESOL with distinction, from the University of Lancaster, United Kingdom.