TEACHING ENGLISH IN THE 21ST CENTURY: METHODS, CHALLENGES, AND SOLUTIONS

Teaching English in the 21st century is shaped by rapid technological change, shifting learner needs, globalization, and increasingly diverse classrooms. This article explores contemporary methods of English Language Teaching (ELT), identifies major challenges teachers face today, and proposes practical, research-informed solutions. Key methodological directions include communicative language teaching, task-based instruction, content and language integrated learning, blended learning, and learner-centered assessment. Current challenges—such as mixed-ability classes, low motivation, limited exposure to English outside class, technology gaps, and assessment pressures—can be addressed through purposeful lesson design, inclusive differentiation, meaningful use of technology, and feedback-driven instruction. The article concludes that effective 21st-century ELT requires flexibility, continuous professional development, and a balanced integration of pedagogy, digital tools, and human-centered classroom interaction.