Innovation in English language teaching can take many forms beyond just new technologies. It refers broadly to introducing new ideas or methods that more effectively engage students in the learning process. This may include revising traditional teaching methods to boost interaction, using digital tools in new ways, or incorporating low-tech elements like art, music and videos. The key is finding approaches that capture students' interest and involve them in learning in fresh and engaging manners, regardless of whether resources are high- or low-tech. Innovation's focus should be on meeting students' needs rather than just on teaching methods alone.

1. Innovations
In English Language Teaching

2. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines:
in·no·va·tion - noun ˌ
i-nə-ˌ
vā-shən
: a new idea, device, or method
: the act or process of introducing new ideas,
devices, or methods

4. But …. Innovation does NOT always
mean Technology.
By definition, innovation is not limited to new devices or technology but can also
include new ideas and/or new methods

5. • So innovation in ELT or
EFL can be as simple as
finding new ways to
engage your students in
the classroom.

6. Or use new/
revised/
updated
methods of
teaching the
same
material…
But using methods that engage the students in
ways they were not engaged in before.
Bloom’s Taxonomy - revised

7. • Or new technology introduced into the
classroom.

8. • However, with today’s digital natives
innovation often does involve effectively using
technology in the classroom in ways that go
beyond simply watching youtube videos
Innovations class discussion – Ajarn Jintavee – Dec. 20, 2013.

9. • (not that there is anything wrong with using
youtube videos in the class when
appropriate).

10. Education, Consultation, Communication, Partnership,
Participation, Extension – It’s ALL Engagement.
Engagement theory – James W. Marcum, PhD.

11. Art, music, video, cartoons and other low tech tools can be used in new and innovative ways
to engage the students in learning of new language or improving their language skills.
Arda Arıkan, et al. (2010) Contextualizing young learners’ English lessons with cartoons: Focus
on grammar and vocabulary: Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, Volume 2, Issue 2,
Pages 5212-5215

13. It’s all about the students – not about the teaching.

14. High tech
or low tech
+ engagement
= innovation
Empirical evidence observed over 16 years of teaching – David Bakewell.

15. Thank you for taking the time to watch this short presentation.
Dave Bakewell
for Innovations in ELT class
@ Chulalongkorn University – Jan. 31, 2014