Examining the factors influencing English teaching and learning in rural settings throughout Europe and the United States

Abstract

This chapter examines English learning environments and methods in rural settings in Europe and the United States, assessing their contributions to language learning, both written and spoken. Educational systems are compared and contrasted, including two different styles of English education structured in a comparative analysis using five focal areas. These focal areas are expanded to include the definition and structure of rural education, English language learning modalities, linguistic environment, educational outcomes, and indicators of success. The opportunity to investigate the experiences of teachers who are active in rural communities and focus on the multidimensional aspects of the education of multilingual learners provides valuable information that contributes to expert teaching and learning and bridges the gap between educating rural and urban populations of students. Embracing English language learning, new technologies, and initiating change through proactive educational strategies including a paradigm shift to incorporate a translanguaging pedagogy for emergent English speakers will lead to relevant and purposeful accomplishments in rural school settings.