Abstract
This chapter examines the issue of networking amongst Language Teacher Associations (LTAs) in the South Asian region with an aim to promote professionalism and to share best practices and thus strengthen the associations in the process. It includes a discussion of recent initiatives undertaken to promote regional networking by some South Asian English Language associations, including BELTA (Bangladesh English Language Teachers Association) and SPELT (Society of Pakistan English Language Teachers). The lessons learned from these initiatives form the basis for a framework to guide future directions for regional networking. The two LTAs share some of their regional networking activities but there are also several other initiatives that each are involved in that serve different contextual needs and are often dependent on opportunities and resources that become available at certain times. However, regional networking has always been high on the agenda for both. The LTAs discuss the benefits and the challenges of undertaking their respective networking exercises. In light of lessons learned, steps are proposed for sustainability from a practical point of view.
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Rahman, A., Shahabuddin, F. (2018). Strengthening South Asian LTAs: Networking and Challenges. In: Elsheikh, A., Coombe, C., Effiong, O. (eds) The Role of Language Teacher Associations in Professional Development. Second Language Learning and Teaching. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-00967-0_13
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