The methodology of English language education has been developed mainly in the English-speaking countries of 'the West' and does not always fit the needs of the rest of the world. This important and controversial book investigates this state of affairs by looking at the wider social context of what happens between teachers and students. It uses an ethnographic framework to explore the complex and diverse cultures of classrooms, of student groups and teacher communities in different countries and educational environments. It goes on to argue that these factors have to be acknowledged in the design and implementation of appropriate methodologies. Although a major concern is with classroom teaching, the methodologies for curriculum and project management and design are also addressed.

This book is essential reading for anyone wishing to address the needs of students in the context of their cultural backgrounds. It will be of interest to teachers, teacher trainers, curriculum developers and project managers from around the world who find that current literature in English language education does not apply to their situation. It will be a core text for courses, at Master's level, in curriculum design and implementation, project management, the management of innovation and change, and classroom research.