1 of 17

The future starts today,�not tomorrow.

www.umy.ac.id

Opportunities and Challenges of Language Teachers and Learners in the Current Changing World

2 of 17

Dr. Suryanto

  • facebook.com
  • twitter.com
  • Instagram.com
  • Address:
  • Phone:
  • E-mail: email@umy.ac.id

​

3 of 17

States of Current Environment

Volatility

Uncertainty

Complexity

Ambiguity

4 of 17

Volatility

Forecasting the future and establishing plans can be challenging because of abrupt and rapid changes in the external environment.

5 of 17

Uncertainty

  • When the future is uncertain, and decision-makers do not have enough information t In the face of uncertainty, decision-makers are challenged by a lack of information, leading to heightened uncertainty. o make informed choices, uncertainty arises.

6 of 17

Complexity

Many interrelated internal and external aspects make it more difficult to find solutions to problems.

​

​

7 of 17

Ambiguity

  • When information is ambiguous and frequently contradictory, it is referred to as ambiguity. Ambiguity makes it challenging to arise, making it difficult to fully comprehend events as a whole.

​

8 of 17

Disruptions

  • VUCA environments create fertile ground for disruptive events

​

9 of 17

What do reputable Institutions about language education and education?

The British Council's book "The Future of English" is a definitive work emphasizing the language's evolving position in a connected world. It argues that while English remains prominent, its future will be shaped by multilingualism, new variations, and technological breakthroughs. The book confidently forecasts that English will evolve in an increasingly complex and diversified global setting.

(Patel et al., 2020)

10 of 17

Cambridge University

Despite the rise of automation and artificial intelligence, teachers will continue to play an important role in English language teaching. AI tools, such as generative AI (genAI), will help by providing individualized learning content, adaptive feedback, and real-time evaluations. Still, they cannot replace the crucial human aspect of education, such as developing communication competence and empathy (Cambridge University Press, 2023).

​

11 of 17

UNESCO

The UNESCO book "Reimagining Our Futures Together: A New Social Contract for Education" proposes transforming education to address global issues such as inequality, environmental degradation, and technology disruption. According to the research, education needs a new social compact based on human rights, inclusivity, and sustainability. This contract should promote collaboration, social responsibility, and solidarity to provide fair access to quality education.

​

12 of 17

The UNESCO book "Reimagining Our Futures Together: A New Social Contract for Education" contain key principles:

Pedagogical Shifts: Education should prioritize cooperation, empathy, and critical thinking, moving away from rote learning towards fostering creativity and problem-solving skills.

Curriculum Redesign: To equip learners for future challenges, curricula should emphasize interdisciplinary learning, ecological understanding, and digital and civic literacy.

Empowerment of Teachers: Teachers are central to educational transformation, and their professional development, autonomy, and collaboration should be strengthened.

Lifelong Learning: Education should extend beyond formal schooling, providing opportunities for lifelong learning across different social and cultural spaces.

13 of 17

What to do to face VUCA and the globally changing world as language teachers and learners

Individually

Institutionally

Nationally

Internationally

14 of 17

Individually

Develop excellent language skills as a tool for global communication. ITP TOEFL for instance 600.

Prepare to understand future generations (alpha)

Should have vital agility and resilience

Foster adaptability and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Foster Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving

Having expertise in global issues and an awareness of other cultures.

Adopt a Digital Literacy Methodology

15 of 17

Institutionally

Reformulate curricula to Acquire Skills Necessary for the 21st Century

Implement Hybrid and/or Blended Learning Models to foster differentiated learning.

Support Teacher Development: Schools should invest in rigorous professional development programs that teach teachers digital literacy, multicultural communication, and creative pedagogy.

16 of 17

Nationally

Invest in Education and Technology: Governments should fund education and equip schools with technology to prepare students for the future. This involves access to high-quality digital infrastructure and digital divide reduction.

Promote Language Learning Policies: Governments should promote multilingualism and intercultural competency. Policy may guarantee language education serves national interests and global collaboration.

Develop National Frameworks for Professional Development: Teachers should get ongoing training to meet changing educational demands and global trends. These frameworks should also promote teacher and student resilience and flexibility.

17 of 17

Internationally�

Support

    • Support Global Educational Networks: UNESCO and the OECD should promote international educational collaboration. Global networks may promote innovation, best practices, and VUCA problem-solving among educators.​

Promote

    • Promote Multicultural and Multilingual Education: Global education strategies should include cultural exchange programs and multilingual education. Thus, students will be ready for a diversified, linked world.​

Adopt

    • Adopt Global Standards for 21st-Century Skills: Efforts to develop global standards for 21st-century competencies in language education can assure uniformity in educating students for the global workforce and society.