Comments on: Does Teaching English Open Minds in Closed Societies? – Part 1

By: Eric Roth

Eric Roth — Sun, 23 May 2010 15:54:48 +0000

Absolutely!

By: Siem

Siem — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 22:04:21 +0000

While every nation has their global opinion, it’s sad to see that some would close doors to keep their citizens in the dark. Whether it be learning English or just other cultural values, I think people deserve the right to be open-minded. Close mindedness only breeds ignorance.

By: Eric Roth

Eric Roth — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 22:04:30 +0000

Benjamin – Thank you for sharing those insights and suggestions.

Due to some technical problems, it has taken me almost a month to reply. I apologize, but WordPress seems to be working now.

By: Benjamin

Benjamin — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 14:02:32 +0000

#delt0110: “Does Teaching English Open Minds in Closed Societies?” Well, it depends. I certainly think it can open minds but there is such a variety of contexts when one says, “opening minds” and “closed societies” that it’s difficult to nail down an answer. I think learning any additional language is healthy at any level. Perhaps English language learners (ELLs) don’t have access to certain books, websites, etc., but I’m not so sure that’s always a bad thing. It’s taking what you have and using it to your best advantage. Learning more about the ELL’s own native culture through an additional language is also a noble pursuit.

By: Eric

Eric — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 04:33:37 +0000

Denise – Thank you for dropping by, sharing your insight, and suggesting a survey. That’s a good idea!

By: Denise2

Denise2 — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 15:07:33 +0000

Thanks for the interesting blog posting Eric. Several of my friends and relatives have gone overseas to teach english – to Korea and Japan. And a couple have taught ESL in the USA to foreign students. It would be interesting to do a survey of ESL teachers to see what their responses would be on this.