Teacher Autonomy: How Far and to What Extent in ESL Classroom?

Abstract

Teacher autonomy is a taboo topic in most private institutions in India.  Discipline in the classroom is an absolute necessity.  But managements understand discipline as passive listening which is not appropriate for an English classroom.  So what should the English teachers do?  In this paper I focus on these issues and suggest some practical solutions.  Can an English teachers' association be one of the solutions?  How can the English teachers convince managements that a lot of autonomy should be given for them to carry out the recent techniques?   Can the English teachers do that effectively?  This article also suggests that videotaping of classes and observations by peers is necessary.  Feedback from previous students gives an accurate reflection.  Finally this article recommends that the teachers should have a real clarity of thought on issues like usage of the latest technologies like Internet, mobile phones etc.  Most importantly the teachers should have the confidence to convince senior professors of the effectiveness of this approach in this ‘Age of Globalization'.