An agenda for well-being in ELT: an ecological perspective. (9th January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mercer, Sarah
• Is Part Of: ELT journal. Volume 75:Number 1(2021)
• Page Start: 14
• Page End: 21
• Publication Date: 2021-01-09
• Subjects: English language -- Study and teaching -- Foreign speakers -- Periodicals; 428.0071
• DOI: 10.1093/elt/ccaa062
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0951-0893

Abstract

Abstract: Well-being is a basic human right according to the World Health Organization. It is the foundation of a life well lived and ought to be the basis of all educational endeavours and encounters. In this article, I urge ELT to make well-being a priority for research and practice. I make three main points. Firstly, we need to be serious in defining and understanding well-being for research and teaching and get beyond superficial conceptualizations, which inhibit growth in this area and meaningful debate. Secondly, we need to consider well-being for the whole ELT ecology, understanding that well-being does not reside solely within the individual but is socially situated too. Finally, I discuss learner and teacher well-being, which lie at the heart of ELT, and argue that we have a collective responsibility in the community to work towards better conditions for well-being for all members of the ELT ecology.