Empowering language learners: unveiling the transformative potential of value-based pedagogy in esl education

Abstract

This desk research examines how, in an ESL classroom, when combined with standard academic content, value-based pedagogy becomes a comprehensive and transformative approach to education that strongly emphasises instilling essential values and principles in students. Value-based pedagogy strongly emphasises developing students' critical thinking and moral reasoning skills. Moreover, one could not place a division between language and values as one could not explore either in isolation. In value-based pedagogy, students get the ability to make ethically sound decisions and traverse the intricacies of the real world by participating in classroom discussions and ethical issues. This study's methodology is based on a textual analysis of the existing lesson materials designed for undergraduate students and an in-depth reading of published materials in the above-mentioned research area. The study is based on the theoretical works of scholars such as Arjuna Parakrama, Bill Johnston and Paulo Freire. Finally, the findings and the conclusion of this study emphasise the need for value-based pedagogy in an ESL classroom which empowers students to navigate challenges in life. Similarly, this approach urges educators to act as role models and questions established paradigms. The importance of valuebased pedagogy in education is highlighted by its capacity to bring about profound transformation in learners, teachers, and society at large.