Presentation Schedule
Implementing English in Paraguayan Public Education: Policy, Practice, and Teacher Preparation (98122)
Session Chair: Yung-Huei Chen
This presentation will be live-streamed via Zoom (Online Access)
Saturday, 4 October 2025 12:10
Session: Session 2
Room: Live-Stream Room 2
Presentation Type:Live-Stream Presentation
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The enactment of Law No. 5031/2013 in Paraguay, which mandates the teaching of English from preschool to the final year of secondary education in public institutions, represents a significant milestone in national language policy. This study explores the scope and effectiveness of public measures taken to implement this law, with a particular focus on teacher education. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research draws on official policy documents, curricular guidelines, and interviews with key informants from teacher training institutions and government agencies. Findings reveal significant efforts, including curricular reforms and training programs under initiatives such as the in-service teacher education program named PROCEMA. However, the study also identifies critical limitations: insufficient numbers of qualified English teachers, inconsistent implementation across teacher training institutes, and heavy reliance on digital platforms where face-to-face instruction is unavailable. Interview data underscore that while English has been formally introduced into teacher education since 2019, its implementation is hampered by structural gaps such as lack of materials, insufficient institutional support, and minimal prioritization within the broader bilingual education agenda. This research contributes to a growing body of work on foreign language education in Paraguay, highlighting both achievements and persistent challenges. The results aim to inform policymakers, educators, and institutions seeking to align language education policy with Sustainable Development Goal 4, promoting equitable access to quality education and enhancing the capacity of future teachers in an increasingly globalized world.
Authors:
Valentina Canese, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, Paraguay
Maura Zalimben, Universidad Nacional de Asuncion, Paraguay
Cynthia Rolon, Universidad Nacional de Asuncion, Paraguay
Ignacio Gimenez, Universidad Nacional de Asuncion, Paraguay
Fernando Esquivel, Universidad Nacional de Asuncion, Paraguay
About the Presenter(s)
Professor Valentina Canese is a University Professor/Principal Lecturer at Universidad Nacional de Asunción in Paraguay
See this presentation on the full schedule – Saturday Schedule
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