The Establishment and History of the Department of English Language Teaching Methodology
1937–1941: A Significant Milestone
The period between 1937 and 1941 marked a critical stage in preparing foreign language specialists in our Republic. In 1936–1937, the Languages Department of the Azerbaijan Pedagogical Institute (API) was reorganized into three independent departments: Azerbaijani Language, Russian Language, and Foreign Languages. In May 1939, the First All-Union Conference of Foreign Language Teachers was held in Moscow. This conference addressed challenges in developing methodologies for teaching foreign languages and emphasized the inclusion of methodological issues as research topics. The critical need for foreign language teachers was underscored.
To meet this demand, the People’s Commissariat of Education issued an order on June 28, 1948, to establish the Pedagogical Institute of Foreign Languages in Baku. Subsequently, the Department of Foreign Language Teaching Methodology was created the same year, specializing in English, French, and German. The department’s first head was Yevgeniya Zakharovna Girshkorn. From its inception, the department focused on resolving pressing educational challenges, such as identifying base schools for pedagogical practice. Comprehensive efforts were made to designate such schools, including the adoption of Secondary School No. 190. Faculty members regularly provided methodological guidance to schoolteachers, donated teaching aids prepared by students, and organized language clubs.
Progress in Teaching Methodologies
Recognizing the growing number of Azerbaijani students, English and French language teaching methodologies began to be taught in Azerbaijani from the 1953–1954 academic year. However, on June 25, 1955, the department was dissolved, and its courses were distributed among other departments, such as English Grammar and English Lexicology.
On July 24, 1961, the Department of Foreign Language Teaching Methodology was reinstated at the Azerbaijan Pedagogical Institute of Languages named after M.F. Akhundov. Associate Professor Tamara Ahmadova was appointed head of the department, which continued to expand its activities.
In 1972, the department invited prominent scholars, such as Prof. L.N. Zinder and Assoc. Prof. L.A. Vervitskaya from Leningrad State University, to lecture on theoretical and methodological aspects of foreign language teaching. During this time, postgraduate students and researchers were sent to Moscow and Leningrad for advanced studies.
Notable Contributions and Leadership
For many years, the department was led by the distinguished scholar Prof. R.Y. Barsuk, who established a school aimed at developing scientific and pedagogical personnel in foreign language teaching methodology. Under his leadership, the department significantly contributed to enhancing teaching standards and efficiency.
Between 1972 and 1977, R. Barsuk headed the department, followed by N. Kodzayeva (1977–1979) and V. Bogdanova (1979–1985). Associate Professor R.A. Salahov served as head from 1986 to 1995. Graduates of the department’s scientific-methodological school, such as Prof. A. Safiyev, Prof. G. Yusifov, and Z. Abdullayeva, continue to contribute to teacher training.
From 1995 to 2021, the department was led by Prof. G.C. Huseynzade. Currently, Associate Professor Günay Khazail Shiralieva, PhD in Pedagogy, heads the department.
Changes in Structure and Mission
On December 2, 2013, the department was renamed the Department of Linguodidactics. Subsequent structural changes led to further renaming and restructuring. Most recently, on September 5, 2024, it was renamed the Department of English Language Teaching Methodology, with the French language faculty integrated into the Department of Foreign Language Teaching Methodology under the Faculty of Philology.
Mission of the Department
The department aims to enhance the quality of foreign language education in higher and secondary institutions by adopting innovative teaching methods used globally and in Europe. It develops new methodologies, tests them, and trains specialists capable of meeting modern demands and representing Azerbaijan internationally.
The department focuses on equipping future teachers with theoretical and practical knowledge, encouraging creativity, fostering independence, and integrating innovative teaching technologies and ICT tools.
Current Activities and Staff
The department offers both core and elective courses, combining theoretical and practical training. It currently employs 72 staff members, including 13 associate professors (one with a Doctor of Philology degree), two senior lecturers with PhDs, 27 senior lecturers, and 28 lecturers. Prof. Ali Yusif Safiyev, a former staff member, serves as a scientific advisor. The department continues to play a leading role in foreign language teacher training, contributing to educational advancements.