This talk provides an informative overview of ELT history which counteracts some common myths and raises issues for critical reflection. The following questions are considered:

• How can ELT be defined?  
• When did it begin?
• What predated it?
• What people, institutions, ideas and practices have made up ELT?
• What has changed, and what has not changed in ELT methodology?

Dr Richard Smith is an Associate Professor at the University of Warwick. He is a leading authority on the 19th-20th century history of language teaching and is the founder and director of the ELT Archive, www.eltarchive.com. Richard also has particular interests in learner/teacher autonomy; teaching in ‘difficult circumstances’; and engaging and supporting teachers in/with ELT research.

Find out more at: www.warwick.ac.uk/go/richardcsmith

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