Foreign Language Teaching and Learning in Chinese Higher Education: Emerging Challenges

The teaching and learning of foreign languages such as English, Japanese, French, Portuguese, Arabic etc., have become increasingly important in Chinese higher education over the past decade. The application of traditional educational concepts and approaches to the increasingly diverse contexts of foreign language education in the globalized world has created deep-seated tensions and challenges for Chinese universities. Research has previously examined the relationship between teaching methods and student performance, as well as the impact of globalization on foreign language pedagogy in China. As part of the development of foreign language education, a variety of educational settings have faced culturally specific challenges. These challenges include the need to adapt to evolving technologies, the changing needs of learners, and the changing demands of the job market, etc. China’s large population and diverse culture have necessitated the development of effective teaching methods and materials for foreign language instruction.

This Research Topic aims to collect advanced empirical and theoretical research exploring emerging challenges in foreign language teaching and learning within Chinese higher education. It seeks to generate novel insights and expand the current understanding of second language acquisition theories and instructional practices. This is from both the learner and teacher perspectives. This Research Topic also aims to identify strategies for addressing these challenges to improve the language learning environment in Chinese higher education. This includes exploring the use of new technologies, as well as alternative approaches, strategies and interventions for Chinese language learners and teachers. Finally, it seeks to address the challenges and opportunities of the rapidly changing Chinese higher education landscape.

Authors are invited to submit original research manuscripts that address the challenges and opportunities of teaching and learning foreign languages in Chinese higher education. Studies can include theoretical, empirical, and/or methodological approaches. In particular, research should focus on the use of new technologies, alternative approaches, strategies, and interventions for Chinese language learners and teachers, and the challenges and opportunities of the rapidly changing Chinese higher education landscape. We welcome manuscripts from a wide range of disciplines such as applied linguistics, cognitive science and psychology, etc.

Topics related to foreign languages may include (but are not limited to):

- emerging challenge
- educational technology
- education policy
- intercultural communication competency
- psychology of learning
- assessment and autonomy
- innovation in curriculum design
- teacher cognition and belief
- blended and online learning intervention
- multilingual environment (e.g. Macau, Hong Kong)

Keywords: higher education in China, second language acquisition, foreign language education, language teaching and learning, education policy

Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.