INNOVATIONS IN SECOND LANGUAGE TEACHER EDUCATION FOR EFFECTIVE TEACHING AND LEARNING

Abstract

There is need for innovation in Second Language Teacher Education Programmes. This is because Second Languages are learned and acquired. However, the later is affected by modern technological advancements in entertainment that have rendered “picking up” Second Language structures ineffective. Therefore, present day second language teacher trainees should be innovative so as to effectively teach Second language Learners. In effectiveness in Second Language Teaching is as a result of various factors some of which are teacher related. For example, Barasa (2005:1) says, “The ineffectiveness in Second Language teaching and learning results from teacher related factors such as: shortage of well trained teachers, use of unqualified teachers, and lack of in-service training opportunities.” Thus, for effective teaching and learning of Second Languages, there should be innovation in Second Language Teacher Education. This paper discuses some of the innovative approaches in Second Language Teacher Education namely:- (i) Training teachers of Second Languages in using Information and Communication Technology (ii) Using learner centered approaches (iii) Adopting a research oriented approach and (iv) Using Context – Based Instructions