By Jinlan Tang
The importance of English and English education
Since the implementation of its reform and opening-door policy, English language instruction has increased in importance in China’s education system. Presently, English is a subject of study from primary school and a mandatory course for university students of all majors. Regarded as the language of globalization, English is predicted to face challenges that will exert a significant impact on its development and its future as a global language. Therefore, there is a need to investigate the current use of English and English language teaching, learning and assessment in China, and predict the future of English in the wider context of multilingualism and multilingual education.
Technology-enhanced English education and EDI
Importantly, with the sharp rise of digital technology, artificial intelligence, and the ecological perspective in language education, it appears that online English language teaching and learning will be a significant growth area. In fact, technology has been widely used in Chinese universities to improve English language teaching and learning, a trend which is set to influence the future of English education. Due to China’s varied topography and relatively unequal social economic development between different areas, technology has always been considered as a viable means to share quality educational resources and to promote equity in education, a key mission of the government. In this sense, more emphasis needs to be given to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in teaching, learning and assessment.
Why this project matters to us
The project, with its focus on higher education, will track and evaluate the impact of the growing use of digital/mobile technology on regional and local ecologies of teaching, assessment and learning of English. The project is significant in that it offers insights into trends in terms of: (a) how technological innovation, which drives contemporary learning and communication in English, is shaping the future of the language in education, particularly higher education; (b) whether issues of gender, equality, diversity and inclusion will be an important consideration in the future of English; (c) the role that English plays as a linguistic resource alongside other languages; (d) policy and practice implications for the development of English in Asia.
What we hope to learn through this project
This project is important for students, educators and researchers in China. By exploring the current status of English language teaching, learning and assessment in and out of classroom settings, we can better understand localized pedagogy, effective teaching modes, fostering well-being in education, and affordances of technology-enhanced language education, which may provide insightful implications for the sustainable development of English language education in China.
Besides, we will also examine particular emerging trends around English use and education in China at the moment. Potential challenges teachers and students face in English language teaching and learning can also provide some directions and set the agenda for future pedagogical innovations in higher education.