Queerness in ELT
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Queerness in English Language Teaching (ELT)
Introduction to Queerness in ELT
The integration of queer perspectives in English Language Teaching (ELT) has gained increasing attention in recent years. This shift acknowledges the importance of creating inclusive educational environments that respect and represent diverse sexual and gender identities. The following synthesis explores the insights, challenges, and practices related to queering ELT, drawing from various studies conducted globally.
Importance of Queering ELT
Promoting Gender Equity and Inclusivity
Incorporating queer perspectives in ELT is seen as essential for fostering inclusive classrooms and promoting critical thinking among students. Teachers in a Philippine state university emphasized the necessity of queering ELT to create a more inclusive environment and stimulate students' critical thinking1. Similarly, the use of literary texts to address LGBTQ erasure in the classroom has been advocated as a means to offer recognition to LGBTQ students and foster understanding among non-LGBTQ students5.
Addressing Heteronormativity
The social turn in applied linguistics has challenged the previously monosexual assumptions in ELT, highlighting the risks of reifying heteronormative worldviews in the classroom. There is a growing body of literature advocating for LGBTQ+-inclusive approaches to ELT, emphasizing the need for teacher preparation and inclusive curricular materials2. This includes the use of queer picturebooks in primary ELT to introduce diverse perspectives from an early age9.
Challenges in Queering ELT
Lack of Models and Knowledge
One of the significant challenges in queering ELT is the lack of models and limited knowledge of queer concepts among teachers. Teachers in the Philippines reported difficulties due to the absence of established models and their own limited understanding of queer perspectives1. This challenge is echoed in the Thai ELT context, where teachers acknowledged the need for more knowledge about queer pedagogy despite recognizing the importance of sexual and gender diversity8.
Resistance from Stakeholders
Resistance from stakeholders, including conservative ideologies and lack of institutional support, poses another challenge. Filipino university teachers identified conservative ideologies and limited power to tackle queer perspectives as significant impediments to their queering efforts4. This resistance can hinder the genuine integration of queer perspectives in ELT.
Strategies for Queering ELT
Teacher Preparation and Training
To effectively queer ELT, there is a need for comprehensive teacher preparation and training. This includes incorporating queer TESOL literature and modeling queer teaching practices in teacher training programs3. By equipping teachers with the necessary knowledge and skills, they can create safer and more respectful spaces for students to engage with LGBTQ issues.
Inclusive Curricular Materials
Developing and utilizing inclusive curricular materials is crucial for queering ELT. This involves selecting texts and materials that represent diverse sexual and gender identities and encouraging critical thinking to challenge heteronormative assumptions. For instance, a study on EFL university instructors highlighted the importance of examining classroom materials to deconstruct heteronormativity and integrate gender- and sexuality-inclusive content10.
Representation and Visibility
Ensuring representation and visibility of LGBTQ identities in the classroom is another key strategy. Queer teachers in Colombia have demonstrated how their identities and pedagogies resist colonial notions and shape their teaching practices6. By sharing their experiences and perspectives, queer teachers can contribute to a more inclusive and diverse educational environment.
Conclusion
Queering ELT is a multifaceted endeavor that requires addressing various challenges and implementing strategic practices. By promoting gender equity, addressing heteronormativity, and ensuring representation, educators can create inclusive classrooms that respect and celebrate diverse sexual and gender identities. Continued efforts in teacher preparation, curricular development, and stakeholder engagement are essential for advancing this important work in ELT.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Queering English language teaching: Insights from teachers in a Philippine state university
Queering English language teaching in Philippine universities is beneficial for inclusive classrooms and critical thinking, but faces challenges like limited models, limited knowledge, and potential resistance from stakeholders.
Queering Practice: LGBTQ+ Diversity and Inclusion in English Language Teaching
LGBTQ+-inclusive approaches in English language teaching require increased focus on teacher preparation and curricular materials, with a focus on transgender issues and inclusive educational spaces.
Queering ESL Teaching: Pedagogical and Materials Creation Issues.
Queering ESL teaching can create safer and more respectful spaces for students by incorporating queer TESOL literature, modeling queer teaching practices, and queering commercially available materials.
Understanding Queer Filipino University Teachers' Queering Efforts in the English Classroom
Queer Filipino university teachers' efforts in queering English language teaching are influenced by factors such as positive school atmosphere, academic freedom, and students' acceptance of queer perspectives, but hindered by conservative ideology and lack of school support.
Addressing LGBTQ erasure through literature in the ELT classroom
Well-chosen literary texts in ELT classrooms can recognize LGBTQ students and foster understanding among non-LGBTQ students, offering valuable insights for effective lesson planning.
“I’m Here and I Am Queer”. Queer Teacher Identities in ELT. A Colombian Study
Queer teachers of English in Colombia negotiate their identities and teaching practices, challenging colonial notions of being and doing in the English Language Teaching field.
Teaching Queer‐Inclusive English Language Arts
Queer-inclusive English language arts curricula promote self-examination and understanding of diverse identities, fostering a diverse and varying society.
Highly CitedQueer Pedagogy in TESOL: Teachers’ Perspectives and Practices in Thai ELT Classrooms
Thai ELT teachers acknowledge sexual and gender diversity in their classrooms, but have limited knowledge about queer pedagogy, which can be used to build inclusive and equitable teaching practices for sexual and gender minority students.
Gender- and Sexuality-Inclusive Curriculum in an Intensive Language Program
Queer pedagogy in EFL university curriculums can disrupt heteronormativity and promote a more inclusive teaching approach, enhancing second language acquisition.
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