Understanding the Professional Agency of Female Language Teachers in a Chinese University: Rhetoric and Reality

The book explores female language teachers' perceived discrepancies and agency in teaching, research, and teacher learning practices in Shanghai, China. It adopts multiple research methods to reveal that female language teachers' agency is a dynamic entity manifested in negotiation, practice, and inclination. It offers insights into language education and career development for researchers, teachers, and career women.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 244 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Centering on a qualitative study of three female English teachers in Shanghai, China, the book delves into the perceived discrepancies and agency exercised by these educators in their teaching, research, and teacher learning practices. Through the adoption of a diverse range of research methods, including narrative questionnaires, metaphor, timeline, interviews, and classroom observation, this study unveils the dynamic nature of female language teachers' agency, manifested in the ongoing negotiation of agency belief, agency practice, and agency inclination. Moreover, it explores the intricate interplay between individual factors and the broader environment, highlighting how female language teachers in China are leveraging their agency to pursue career development and make meaningful contributions to language education in China and beyond.

While acknowledging certain limitations regarding representativeness and generalizability, the author offers a rich and detailed account of how female language teachers in China are exercising agency to fulfill their professional aspirations. This study provides valuable insights for researchers, university teachers, particularly female foreign language teachers, PhD students, and graduate students, as well as career women, interested in exploring the complexities of teacher education and foreign language teaching.

The book's appeal lies in its ability to engage readers on a deeper level, offering a comprehensive exploration of the experiences and perspectives of female English teachers in Shanghai. It sheds light on the challenges and opportunities they face, as well as the strategies they employ to navigate the educational landscape and achieve their goals. By presenting a nuanced and empathetic portrayal of these educators, the book contributes to the growing body of knowledge on gender dynamics in education and provides valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and individuals passionate about promoting gender equality and enhancing educational outcomes.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032137117