Complex Systems Theory as a Shared Discourse Space for TESOL

What is it about?

In this article, we provide an accessible introduction to Complex Systems Theory (CST) and its applications in the field of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. We argue that many of the concepts used in CST are intuitively familiar to language teachers. CST can therefore be a useful way of framing studies of language teaching and learning, thus facilitating communication between researchers and language teachers. For the same reason, familiarity with CST can help researchers relate to teacher narratives.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

We argue that Complex Systems Theory can provide teachers and researchers with a common frame of reference which can make the exchange of ideas easier. This can help to bridge the perceived gap between research and practice, as well as the perception, among some language educators, that academic work is not relevant to their professional lives.