English Language Teaching in Uruguay

Abstract

Uruguay is quickly emerging as one of the most innovative countries in the field of English Language Teaching (ELT) by delivering thousands of lessons weekly in public schools via interactive videoconference in a project called Ceibal en Inglés. This article provides a comprehensive look at the history of ELT practices in Uruguay that both necessitated this bold approach and provided the infrastructure to implement it nationally. Special focus is paid to the public school system with historical changes in ELT and teacher preparation. This overview article discusses the many challenges faced in ‘democratizing’ English language instruction in Uruguay and the new practices, policies, and proposals that support this new national objective.