Training English Language Teachers to Integrate the Four Skills – A Proposed Model

Abstract

Trying to integrating the four language skills, teachers might follow the eclectic approach. However, untrained teachers might create random combinations with conflicting techniques from different teaching methods. Therefore, this paper proposed training teachers to use a finely tuned model. To explore the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed model from the perspective of teachers who teach EFL adults, the researcher followed three models for teacher training. First, he followed the applied science model and provided ten trainee teachers with the academic knowledge behind the proposed model. Then, he followed the craft model and demonstrated to these teachers how to use it. Finally, the researcher followed the reflective model and asked the teachers to use the proposed model in their contexts before he qualitatively received their feedback through unstructured interviews. The reflections of the trainee teachers proved that the advantages of the proposed model far outweighed its disadvantages, which should encourage more teachers to use it and consequently future researchers to conduct quantitative, large-scale studies in order to generalise the findings of this paper or experimental studies that check the effects of this model on the learning of EFL adults. Other qualitative, quantitative or experimental studies can test the proposed model in other contexts such as teaching English to young learners and teaching English as a second language.