Abstract:

The rapid economic and political events in the Republic of Kazakhstan since it got independence in 1991 have inevitably caused many changes in all spheres of Kazakhstani life. The role of the English language as the language of world integration and cooperation has increased greatly. All these factors demand changes in ELT (English Language Teaching) in the country that can meet new challenges in the formation of world-scale competitive professionals with a good command of English. High educational institutions respond to this task improving the quality of education, searching for new technologies, elaborating competitive strategies, developing curriculum, etc.

This paper highlights the peculiarities of the Republic of Kazakhstan in this respect due to its geographical, historical, national and linguistic characteristics. Many linguists consider the Republic of Kazakhstan occupying a very big territory in Eurasia as a very special country in which the young generation can equally speak three languages: Kazakh, Russian and English.

The key focus in the paper is laid on new trends and innovative approaches in ELT process. The study has been made among a number of non-linguistic Universities of Kazakhstan. Most of them have emerged not long ago, aiming at providing competitive education facilities to the population. Almost all the subjects in these Universities are taught in the English language. This requires special innovative strategies in the whole process of ELT regarding English teaching methodology and curriculum design. However, the current situation in ELT in Kazakhstan is characterized by a gap between current learning aims and old methodology which goes back to the Soviet times. The authors, who are currently professors at the Kazakh-British Technical University, share their experiences and challenges in this respect with the special focus on learner orientation, curriculum development, new subjects and internationally certified tests like TOEFL and IELTS. Much influence on ELT is carried out by extra-curriculum activities like debates, English Language week, English club, etc, which help to develop together with language skills learners’ skills of leadership, team building, critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making, essential for competitive specialists.

The process of ELT in Kazakhstan is facilitated by the assistance donated by many international organizations like the British Council, the UN, CATEC, Soros Foundation, which disseminate the world best standards in Kazakhstan and help the ELT teachers acquire new ideas and develop their qualification.

The paper also points out numerous non-governmental national organizations which contribute to the process of ELT in the country. In this respect it’s worth mentioning the activity of NATEK (National Association of Teachers of English in Kazakhstan).

Alongside with the positive outcomes of the existing situation the Kazakhstani teachers of English confront with some difficulties, including lack of cut-of-edge technologies. The international practices and collaboration is of great value.

The authors strongly believe that participation in the INTED 2009 conference and sharing ideas with its participants will lead to better understanding of current aims and objectives of ELT, and open new perspectives to follow in English teaching.

Keywords:

english, elt, efl, methodology, teaching, non-linguistic university, educational reforms, kazakhstan.