Professional Networks among Public-sector English Language Teachers in Chile: a description from the perspective of practice

• In Event: Roundtable Session 1
  In Roundtable Session: Affecting Change in English Language Learning Through Teacher Professional Development

Abstract

This study describes the characteristics of professional networks of English Language Teachers in Chile, and determines their features of success according Wenger’s communities of practice theory (1998). Data collection was conducted in Chile with three networks. Interviews to the participants and the Ministry’s coordinator, and observations to networks meetings were performed. Preliminary findings show that the main objective for participants is to be part of a group where they can share teaching materials, speak in English, and contrast their view regarding teaching practices. Concerning the influence of their participation in teaching practices and the potential effect on students’ learning, the participants can identify the influence but it is not clear in what ways that has effect on students’ learning.

Author

• Florencia Gomez Zaccarelli, University of Michigan