Active listening for second language learning in the early years

This chapter illustrates how the implementation of early years second language (L2) learning in the Czech Republic has reached an impasse in meeting the objectives defined by the ambitious National Plan of Education in Foreign Languages. In recent times English has spread globally as the language of international communication and, naturally, the trend has affected the Czech Republic. The expansion of English into pre-primary education gained momentum with the National Plan. The situation of early language learning in the initial phase of the implementation of the National Plan is clearly shown in the findings of a report by the Czech School Inspectorate (CSI). There remains a consensus that the key factor of potentially successful early years L2 learning is teacher education. Research by professionals in the field of English language education also contributed to the understanding of the challenges and opportunities of introducing English as an L2 at an early age in the Czech Republic.