British Council to Recognise Teachers for Their Innovation in Teaching

The deadline to apply for these prestigious international awards is 28 March 2024. The awards are dedicated to recognising the people behind the latest advancements in English language learning and teaching.

British Council is seeking innovative approaches to English language education developed over the past two years. Applicants may showcase groundbreaking courses, publications, projects, apps, platforms, and more, which are finding new ways to help English language learners and teachers around the world achieve their goals.

The ELTons are also seeking applications using cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and speech recognition, to enhance English language learning. There are five award categories in total:

1. Innovation in the Use of Technology – Innovative uses of technology in a product or service that enhancesEnglish languagelearning or teaching (formerly the Digital Innovation Award).

2. Innovation in Learner Resources – Services, activities, materials or works using innovative means to improve English language learners’ proficiency in vocabulary, grammar, fluency, receptive and productive skills, or vital language skills for study or work.

3. Innovation in Teacher Resources – Resources supporting English language teaching professionals, whether through teacher training, education, or Continuing Professional Development.

4. Excellence in Course Innovation – Courses using a fresh variety of content, formats, or media, to help learners achieve stretching levels of English language proficiency.

5. Local Innovation – Resources or project innovating to meet specific, local needs, within local, national or regional contexts around the world.

Speaking about the awards, Mark Walker, Director of English and Exams at the British Council, said, “We’re delighted that the ELTons Innovation Awards are returning this year. These global awards celebrate innovation in English language teaching around the world, showcasing the hard work and dedication of stakeholders throughout the industry. The awards are about celebrating diversity, creativity and solutions across multiple contexts. They demonstrate how the industry continues to respond with innovative products, services and technology to anticipate the changing needs of learners and teachers in a rapidly changing landscape. This year, with the emergence of Generative AI and the growing potential for personalised learning solutions, we are looking forward to seeing how this transformative opportunity is reflected in entries to the ELTons Innovation Awards.”

Gauri Puranik, Head of English Programmes India, British Council, said, “Through initiatives like the British Council ELTons Awards, we not only celebrate innovation but also reinforce our commitment to advancing the standards of English language teaching, learning and assessment. These awards serve as a platform to recognise educators who are at the forefront of implementing innovative and scalable approaches aligned with the National Education Policy 2020. By showcasing best practices from across the world, we aim to empower educators to drive positive change in education system”.

Interested applicants can submit their entries on the ELTons website. The awards ceremony is scheduled to be held in India in November 2024.