Article Title

Using Appreciative Inquiry for a Positive Approach to English Language Teaching and Teacher Education

Authors

Michael Lessard-Clouston, Biola UniversityFollow

Keywords

Appreciative inquiry; ESL; EFL; Teacher education

Abstract

We live during challenging times, in a divisive world. English language students, teachers, and teacher educators long for positive input and useful perspectives. Ephesians 4:29 tells us to use language to build others up. Accordingly, this article aims to help English language students, teachers, and teacher trainers to take a positive approach to their activities. Following an introduction, it first introduces appreciative inquiry (AI), an approach to change that offers positive assumptions and affirmative questions. Second, it describes three case studies that used AI in ESL/EFL teaching and teacher education. Third, it concludes with a discussion of potential AI connections for taking a positive approach to teaching and teacher training, and offers additional resources so readers may locate further ways to implement aspects of AI in their work in English language teaching.

Recommended Citation

Lessard-Clouston, Michael (2020) "Using Appreciative Inquiry for a Positive Approach to English Language Teaching and Teacher Education," International Journal of Christianity and English Language Teaching: Vol. 7, Article 5.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.biola.edu/ijc-elt/vol7/iss1/5