INNOVATIVE APPROACHES TO TEACHING ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE

The teaching of English as a Second Language (ESL) has undergone profound changes in the 21st century, driven by globalization, digital innovation, and evolving learner needs. Traditional teacher-centered methods such as grammar-translation have increasingly proven inadequate for fostering communicative competence, intercultural awareness, and learner autonomy. This article explores innovative approaches to ESL teaching, focusing on technology-enhanced learning, task-based instruction, gamification, and learner-centered pedagogies. Through a qualitative review of existing research and case studies, the analysis highlights the opportunities and challenges associated with these approaches. Findings reveal that innovative practices enhance learner engagement, motivation, and communicative competence, yet face barriers related to digital inequality, teacher training, and curriculum rigidity. The discussion emphasizes the need for blended and adaptive pedagogical frameworks that balance innovation with local educational realities. The article concludes by recommending systemic changes in teacher education, policy, and curriculum design to ensure sustainable and inclusive adoption of innovative ESL practices.