Challenges in Teaching English to

Young Learners: Global

Perspectives
and Local Realities
 International Research Project

1 2 3 4 5 6

1- Mix method 2- 4459 worldwide 3- Case studies 4- Five primary The survey provides This article focuses
(Quantitative and teachers as including schools from five global results across on the challenges
Qualitative) participants observations and continents 142 countries and faced by teachers
interviews as uncovers the major of English to young
research tools challenges in learners against the
teaching young backdrop of the
learners as reported global rise of
by the 4,459 English.
teachers who
responded.
 Reasons for Introducing English in
Young Learners

First, it is often assumed that it is better to begin

learning languages early (Nunan, 2003).

Second, economic globalisation has resulted in the widespread use of English

and many governments believe it is essential to have an English speaking
workforce in order to compete (Enever & Moon, 2009;
Gimenez, 2009; Y. Hu, 2007).

Third, parents want their children to

develop English skills to benefit from new world orders and put pressure on
governments to introduce English to younger children
(Enever & Moon, 2009; Gimenez, 2009).
 Challenges

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 Challenges
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 Challenges

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 Activity 1
Teachers’ Perceptions of the Challenges

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 Activity 2
Global and Local Challenges
Results from case studies

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 Activity 3
IMPLICATIONS FOR TEACHER
EDUCATORS