Introduction to new case studies of openness in and beyond the language classroom

Abstract

Our previous edited volume, Case studies of openness in the language classroom (Beaven, Comas-Quinn, & Sawhill, 2013), was published in 2013 following the EUROCALL conference “Learning through Sharing: Open Resources, Open Practices, Open Communication” held the previous year in Bologna, Italy. At this event, we realised that the innovative work language practitioners were developing in their teaching had to be shared more widely. The edited volume we published showcased some of the ways in which language practitioners were engaging with the concept of openness and aimed to inspire and encourage teachers to experiment further with open resources and open practices. Five years on, we have decided to revisit our project, and to once more check the pulse of openness in and beyond the language classroom. Our purpose has remained unchanged: to give a voice to practitioners themselves, and bring to the surface some of the excellent and innovative work that language teachers and learners are engaged in.