Introduction to English for young learners: Directions for teacher education

Abstract

This chapter introduces the reader to the book, “English for young learners in Asia: Directions for teacher education.” It discusses how English has become the most important language in Asia in the Asian Century. It highlights how English for young learners (EYL) has become an important phenomenon in parallel with the increasing interest in early language learning policies worldwide. The chapter also shows the issues concerning the teacher education of EYL teachers in Asia and points out how the book aims to offer some directions for change in teacher education. The chapter asserts the motivations for the book, its aims, and scope. The final part of the chapter summarizes all the chapters contained in this book.