Produção de materiais didáticos de inglês como língua estrangeira e formação docente crítica: um estudo autoetnográfico

Abstract

This autoethnographic study aims to discuss the development of English language teaching materials as a part of teacher training courses through a set of materials produced in the context of ELLA, English Language Learning Laboratory, a virtual environment with an artificial intelligence system that promotes language learning through topics of social relevance. Hence, the comments presented in this paper regarding English language materials design and teacher training are based on decolonial thinking – one of ELLA’s theoretical frameworks from which the interpersonal, subjective, political and epistemic relationships that resulted from colonialism in the Americas are questioned – and language education – a concept that values critical thinking and the plurality of language use in the classroom. It is concluded that, in the context of teacher training, developing English teaching materials demands creativity and a solid theoretical foundation that supports thematic and linguistic choices. It is also a chance for language teachers to develop critical thinking and awareness regarding their roles as educators that foster citizenship and social responsibility, and to understand that language must be addressed in its ability to build, frame and organize reality in addition to its structural dimension.