Unraveling the Threads of ELT Grammar History: Insights from Dr. Graham Burton's Talk

By Xi Li

On the afternoon of November 22, 2023, the Warwick ELT Archive / HoLLT Research Circle virtually welcomed Dr. Graham Burton. Hailing from the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Italy, Dr. Burton, a researcher in English language teaching and Corpus Linguistics, shared the historical insights from his recent book, Grammar in ELT and ELT Materials: Evaluating Its History and Current Practice, a work enriched by his exploration of the collections in the Warwick ELT Archive

Dr. Burton commenced his talk by recounting his journey through the Warwick ELT Archive, where he delved into primary sources, unraveling the historical tapestry of grammar syllabuses in English Language Teaching (ELT), and trying to shed light on the evolutionary nuances of ELT Grammar. Throughout his presentation, Dr. Burton not only illuminated the historical landscape but also discussed the challenges he faced during his research, including widespread neglect of the value of historical research. Furthermore, he emphasized that misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding Grammar Syllabuses persist, underscoring the pivotal role of historical research in dispelling such myths.

Following the presentation, a dynamic exchange unfolded between Dr. Burton and the meeting participants. Engaging discussions revolved around English course books and ELT pedagogical grammars taken from the shelves of the ELT Archive, providing a platform for shared insights and perspectives.

Xi Li : 05 Dec 2023 20:12 |  Comments (0) |  Report a problem