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21 - Overcoming Teacher Resistance

from Part V - Practice

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 June 2025

By
Yijen Wang
Edited by
Glenn Stockwell  and
Yijen Wang
Glenn Stockwell
Affiliation:
Waseda University, Japan
Yijen Wang
Affiliation:
Waseda University, Japan
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Summary

Although technology has transformed the landscape of pedagogy, some language teachers are still reluctant to use educational technology, and this is referred to as “resistance to change.” This resistance is complex, and as a result, the biggest challenge in language pedagogy is to prepare teachers to integrate technology into their classrooms. This chapter provides an overview of historical and current explanations for teacher resistance to computer-assisted language learning (CALL), discusses factors influencing teachers’ technology use, and critically examines challenges for CALL teacher education in specific sociocultural contexts. Additionally, suggestions for breaking down resistance are provided for educational institutions, teacher educators, in-service and pre-service teachers. Finally, this chapter concludes with recommendations for future research and classroom practice to guide professional development.

Keywords

teacher resistancebarriers of technologyprofessional developmentsupportcontextual factors
Type
Chapter
Information
The Cambridge Handbook of Technology in Language Teaching and Learning , pp. 348 - 360
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2025

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References

References

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Further Reading

This book offers a comprehensive overview of the current state of professional development in language teaching. Providing a wealth of research and practical advice on how to design and implement effective professional development programs, this book is a valuable resource for language teachers, teacher educators, and other stakeholders.

This book outlines practical insights and guidance on how to develop teachers’ technological competence and pedagogical skills, while also exploring the benefits and challenges of using technology in language teaching. The book is easy to read and provides useful resources for language teachers looking to integrate technology into their classrooms.

Farrell, T. S. C. (2022). Insights into professional development in language teaching. Castledown. https://doi.org/10.29140/9781914291036CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Son, J. B. (2018). Teacher development in technology-enhanced language teaching. Palgrave Macmillan. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-75711-7CrossRefGoogle Scholar

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