Abstract
In the era of globalization, the importance of English is well recognized by the Chinese government as the language will contribute to China’s modernization and competitiveness in the global economy (CMOEC, 2002). As a result, English as a Foreign Language (EFL) education in China has both a political and economic motivation (Q. Wang, 2007). To this end, this chapter is concerned with Chinese EFL teachers’ commitment to this vision, and the extent to which they embrace educational reform — in particular, innovations related to teaching of EFL reading comprehension. In this study, we discuss the development of university-level EFL teaching for students who are non-English majors, which is officially termed “College English,” highlighting some challenges to successful implementation of innovation, including cultural, contextual, and pragmatic factors. Next, we discuss the relevant literature and theoretical frameworks that underpin a study conducted in China, examining factors that account for teacher readiness to adapt to the recently introduced reform. Finally, we discuss the implications of our findings for pedagogy and teacher development, making a number of recommendations for the local Chinese context.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Copyright information
© 2012 Hongzhi Yang and Eva Bernat
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Yang, H., Bernat, E. (2012). Innovating EFL Teaching of Reading: An Activity Theory Perspective on Chinese Teachers’ Readiness to Adapt to Educational Reform. In: Muller, T., Herder, S., Adamson, J., Brown, P.S. (eds) Innovating EFL Teaching in Asia. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230347823_13
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230347823_13
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London
Print ISBN: 978-0-230-30152-8
Online ISBN: 978-0-230-34782-3
eBook Packages: Palgrave Language & Linguistics CollectionEducation (R0)