The English Accent Network: Unite in Accents, Empower in English!

Proceedings of The 7th World Conference on Teaching and Education

Year: 2024

DOI:

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The English Accent Network: Unite in Accents, Empower in English!

Alexey Shakhin

 

 

ABSTRACT:

In today’s globalized world, English is the primary language for international communication. It is crucial for ESL students to be exposed to a variety of English accents. Unlike traditional resources that allow users to select and listen to specific accents, our innovative platform facilitates live interactions with both native and non-native speakers. This is achieved through participation in each other’s online lessons, creating an immersive learning experience. Our network operates in a simple and straightforward manner. Teachers join our free Facebook group and provide a brief introduction, preferably in video format, so everyone can see them and hear their accents. When a teacher wants to expose their students to that accent, they contact the corresponding group member and invite them to join an online class. In exchange, they offer a similar collaboration opportunity. With 30+ years of experience in the linguistics industry, having reached fluency in four languages, I see huge potential of our network for both teachers and learners.

Benefits for students:

  • Enhanced communication abilities;
  • Practical application in real life, such as working with international businesses or traveling;
  • Improved listening and comprehension skills;
  • Increased cultural appreciation and understanding of diversity and more.

Advantages for teachers:

  • Distinguish yourself as an ambitious and innovative educator;
  • Effortlessly increase your professional value and earning potential;
  • Prepare students for exams by exposing them to a variety of accents

(e.g., IELTS Listening uses 10 specific accents);

  • Provide practical tests for students to hone their listening and speaking skills;
  • Offer a unique experience that the majority of students have never encountered;
  • Reward diligent students with exclusive learning opportunities;
  • Improve student retention by offering unparalleled resources;
  • Expand your global network, creating personal and professional connections worldwide.

Our workshop will answer a lot of questions teachers ask themselves before joining, including:

– Which accents should I expose my students to and why?

– What is the optimal session duration?

– What are the best topics to discuss?

– Am I supposed to evaluate the English level of my collocutor?

– Can I lose a student by participating in this kind of collaboration?

– Can non-native teachers join the English Accent Network?

– Do I need to have a degree to join?

– How is this network better than language exchange platforms?

– Why is such a valuable tool being offered at no cost?

keywords: Cross-cultural exchange; Immersive learning; Innovative teaching methods; Linguistic diversity; Teacher collaboration