PEDAGOGICAL SHIFTS IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING: A CENTURY IN REVIEW

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive review of the major pedagogical shifts in English Language Teaching (ELT) over the past century, tracing the evolution from traditional grammar-translation methods to contemporary communicative and technology-integrated approaches. The review critically examines how linguistic theories, socio-political contexts, globalization, and advancements in educational technology have shaped teaching practices, curricula, and learner engagement. Emphasis is placed on key paradigms such as the Direct Method, Audio-Lingualism, Communicative Language Teaching (CLT), Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT), and the recent rise of blended and digital learning environments. The paper also explores how teacher roles, assessment practices, and learner autonomy have transformed over time. By contextualizing these developments within broader educational and cultural frameworks, the study highlights the dynamic nature of ELT pedagogy and its responsiveness to changing global demands.