Language teacher research engagement

2010 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 391-429 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Borg
Keyword(s):  
Professional Practice ◽  
Teacher Research ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Research Knowledge ◽  
Language Teacher ◽  
Reading Research ◽  
Professional Activities ◽  
Research Engagement ◽  
Educational Literature

The aim of this review is to provide a critical analysis of language teacher research engagement. The term ‘research engagement’ here covers both engagement in teacher research (i.e. by doing it) as well as engagement with research (i.e. by reading and using it). Research engagement is commonly recommended to language teachers as a potentially productive form of professional development and a source of improved professional practice; empirical accounts of teachers’ practices and experiences in doing teacher research and reading research, and of the benefits that accrue to them from such activities are, however, limited and diffuse. This review examines the available evidence on research engagement in language teaching and discusses this in relation to the educational literature more broadly. The analysis presented here highlights both the benefits and the challenges that are associated with teacher research engagement, and sheds light on why teacher research remains largely a minority activity in the field of language teaching. It also illustrates the complex relationship between research knowledge and what teachers do, and considers the implications of this relationship for the contribution that reading research can make to teachers’ professional activities. The paper concludes by outlining a number of conditions which facilitate teachers’ attempts to engage both in and with research. An awareness of these conditions is fundamental to the success of initiatives which aim to promote language teacher research engagement.

scholarly journals Moving Beyond Self Introductions to Sharing Self Exploration and Expression

2012 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 27
Author(s):  
Ellen Motohashi
Keyword(s):  
Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Learning Task ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Language Teacher ◽  
Teachers And Students ◽  
Based Instruction ◽  
Opening Up ◽  
And Task

Language teachers can easily get caught up in the mechanics and outcome-based instruction of language teaching. Too often, the pedagogic relationship between the language teacher and learner are defined according to the narrowly defined discourse and task-based nature of the learning task designed for language acquisition. Pushing back the boundaries on this relationship and opening up opportunities for self-expression and self exploration through an introductory task termed Self Maps helps teachers and students to move beyond formulaic introductory exchanges and express themselves more deeply in their unique and singular individuality. 語学教師は授業の際、文の構造や学習の成果についとらわれがちである。また多くの場合、語学教師と学習者の関係は、言語習得のためにデザインされた、狭義でのディスコースやタスクに基づく学習活動の性質によって決まってしまう。この両者の間の境界を押し広げ、セルフマップという自己紹介活動を通して自己表現と自己探求の機会を与えることにより、教師と学習者は紋切り型の自己紹介を超え、個々の唯一無二の個性をより深く表現できるようになる。

Core Practices for World Language Teaching in the United States During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2022 ◽  
pp. 24-40
Author(s):  
Francis John Troyan ◽  
Emre Başok ◽  
David R. Carr
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Teacher Education ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
The United States ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
World Language ◽  
Language Teacher Education ◽  
Language Teacher ◽  
Core Practices ◽  
Based Instruction

This chapter presents the results of a nationwide questionnaire of world language teachers in the United States (n=135) that sought to examine how they perceived the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their ability to enact certain “core practices” for world language teaching. Quantitative analysis of Likert items and qualitative analysis of open-ended questions allowed for the examination of the teacher's perceptions of their practice related to three core practices that have been identified as essential to the work of contextualized, standards-based instruction. The findings contribute to an understanding of the realities of world language teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic, the disruptions created by it, and the challenges faced in carrying out the work of world language teaching. Given these insights, suggestions are made for ways forward for the work in core practices in world language teacher education, as well as for pedagogies for practice-based world language teacher education.

scholarly journals Relationship between Classroom Research, Teacher Research and Action Research

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 147-152
Author(s):  
Ajmal Shahim
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Teacher Research ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Classroom Research ◽  
Action Analysis ◽  
Language Classrooms

Classroom Research, Teacher Research, and Action Research are three methods that are often misunderstood. Classroom analysis is research undertaken in language classrooms that reflects on participation in the lessons; the Research’s emphasis as well as the environment in which the data is obtained characterizes it. For language teachers and the discipline as a whole, doing classroom Research may be helpful. Teacher research is classified as research performed by the Teacher; in other words, the person who performs the thesis specifies it. The iterative cyclic procedures of preparing, behaving, observing, evaluating, and replanting are used in action analysis to address challenges and develop local practice. The aim of this analysis is to evaluate the distinctions between classroom research, Teacher research, and Action research, as well as familiarity with the research method in this field. The analysis of vague information in the field of science research, particularly research in the classroom, professorial research, and practical research in language teaching, is the product and result of the research work on this subject, which has added to the richness of this scientific – research essay.  Aim- Receiving correct and necessary knowledge on these three forms of Research in the field of English language and literature, as well as a brief summary of systematic and general research on classroom research, Teacher training, and Action research in language teaching classrooms.

scholarly journals Editorial

HOW ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (27) ◽  
pp. 7-9
Keyword(s):  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Language Teacher ◽  
Self Reflection ◽  
The World ◽  
English Language Teachers ◽  
Ethics In Research

New ways of thinking are constantly emerging in English language teachers around the world, new ways that open windows to other horizons in English language teaching and learning. In this first issue of HOW Journal in 2020, the English language teacher-authors articulate themes related to colonial issues, ethics in research, self-reflection, and novel implementations concerning teaching progress.

Teacher engagement in research: Published resources for teacher researchers - Books from regional locations - Gregory Hadley (ed.). Action research in action, Singapore: SEAMEO Regional Language Centre (2003). Pp. iv + 54. ISBN 9971-74-081-8. - Gertrude Tinker Sachs (ed.). Action research in English language teaching. Hong Kong: City University of Hong Kong (2002). Pp. vii + 255. ISBN 962-442-227-3. - Books from governmental initiatives - Simon Borg (ed.). Classroom research in English language teaching in Oman. Oman: Ministry of Education, Sultanate of Oman (2006a). Pp. xii + 136. No ISBN. - Simon Borg (ed.). Investigating English language teaching and learning in Oman. Oman: Ministry of Education, Sultanate of Oman (2008). Pp. xiii + 166. ISBN 978-9948-03-769-9. - Kay Gallagher & Khadar Bashir-Ali (eds.). Action research and initial teacher education in the UAE: Perspectives from teacher education at the Higher Colleges of Technology. Abu Dhabi: HCT Press (2007). Pp. 141. ISBN 978-9948-03-554-1. - Anne Warne, Michael O'brien, Zafar Syed & Mary Zuriek (eds.). Action research in English language teaching in the UAE: Perspectives from teacher education at the Higher Colleges of Technology. Abu Dhabi: HCT Press (2006). Pp. 124. ISBN 9948-03-246-2. - Books from international contexts - Simon Borg (ed.). Language teacher research in Europe. Alexandria, VA: TESOL (2006b). Pp. vii + 206. ISBN 978-1931-18-537-0. - Anne Burns & Jill Burton (eds.). Language teacher research in Australia and New Zealand. Alexandria, VA: TESOL (2008). Pp. vii + 249. ISBN 978-1931-18-547-9. - Christine Coombe & Lisa Barlow (eds.). Language teacher research in the Middle East. Alexandria, VA: TESOL (2007). Pp. vii + 209. ISBN 978-1931-18-541-7. - Thomas S. C. Farrell (ed.). Language teacher research in Asia. Alexandria, VA: TESOL (2006). Pp. vii + 209. ISBN 978-1931-18-533-2. - Leketi Makalela (ed.). Language teacher research in Africa. Alexandria, VA: TESOL (2009). Pp. vii + 124. ISBN 978-1931-18- 554-7. - Hedy M. Mcgarrell (ed.). Language teacher research in the Americas. Alexandria, VA: TESOL (2007). Pp. vii + 203. ISBN 978-1931-18-542-4.

2010 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 527-536 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Burns
Keyword(s):  
Teacher Education ◽  
Action Research ◽  
Teacher Research ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Ministry Of Education ◽  
Sultanate Of Oman ◽  
Language Teacher ◽  
Colleges Of Technology

Teacher Satisfaction, Research Engagement, and the Conceptualization of Research From In-Service English Teachers' Perspectives

2019 ◽  
pp. 218-230
Author(s):  
Mehmet Sercan Uztosun
Keyword(s):  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Teacher Research ◽  
Teacher Satisfaction ◽  
English Teachers ◽  
Descriptive Statistics ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Reading Research ◽  
Research Engagement ◽  
Teachers Perspectives

This chapter reports a mixed-methods study that aimed to explore in-service English teachers' job satisfaction and research engagement in Turkey and reveal whether these two constructs are related. The study also attempted to understand reasons behind the frequency of teacher research engagement. The data were collected from 2,476 teachers through an online questionnaire. The quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics, and Pearson's correlations; the qualitative data were analysed through content analysis. Most of the participants were satisfied with being teachers but were not satisfied with their teaching practices. Positive correlation was found between reading research, doing research, and job satisfaction. The frequencies of doing research and reading research were not in agreement, in that participants reported to do research more frequently than they read research. Participants equated doing research with studying English. This shows that most in-service English teachers are not aware of the construct teacher as a researcher.

Between Two Worlds? Research Engagement Dilemmas of University English Language Teachers in Vietnam

RELC Journal ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 003368821988478
Author(s):  
Mai Trang Vu
Keyword(s):  
English Language ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Teaching Profession ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Self Awareness ◽  
Research Engagement ◽  
Practical Support ◽  
External Pressures ◽  
English Language Teachers

If enhancing the connection between teaching and research has been highlighted in the general English language teaching profession, does English teaching at university – the ivory tower characterized by research – face the same issue? And how might this affect how the profession is perceived? This study provides an in-depth examination of how university English language teaching (ELT) teachers conceptualize research and their doing research, and discusses the issue in connection with the notion of profession. The study uses teacher cognition semi-structured interviewing with faculty members teaching English at a university in Vietnam. The results show ELT faculty construct different versions of research to rationalize their attitudes, self-awareness, and practices: research as irrelevant impositions, research as desirable but unfeasible goals, and research as practical, inner calls. Revealing this group’s dilemmas between two worlds – practitioners and academics, external pressures and internal values, visions and realities, – the study argues that to increase research engagement, practical support is needed, but a reconceptualization of research is also an important factor. Also, understanding and realizing the teaching-research nexus in ELT hold implications for the profession’s status and the professional’s identity and autonomy.

language teaching

2005 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. i-i
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Research Methodology ◽  
English Language ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
English Language Teaching ◽  
Language Teacher ◽  
Feature Article ◽  
The Subject

We are delighted to begin our term as editors with a stimulating special-feature article by Anne Burns on action research. While the term ‘action research’ is not new in the wider field of research methodology, it remains a relatively recent phenomenon in the field of language teaching, but one which is increasingly the subject of much debate. Anne Burns takes a critical look at the origins, purpose, scope and impact of action research in the area of English language teaching, and describes both the challenges to its status as a research methodology and the issues which need to be addressed by language teachers if it is to remain a sustainable methodology. In addition to being an authoritative overview of the paradigm, the article provides excellent background for a state-of-the-art article on the development of the language teacher written by Steve Mann, which will appear in the next issue of this journal.

scholarly journals LANGUAGE TEACHER POSITIONING IN A TEACHER PROMOTION EXAMINATION: A SMALL STORY APPROACH

Neofilolog ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 133-153
Author(s):  
Dorota Werbińska
Keyword(s):  
Professional Practice ◽  
Teacher Identity ◽  
Teaching Profession ◽  
Positioning Theory ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Language Teacher ◽  
Professional Assessment ◽  
Teacher Professional ◽  
Language Teacher Identity ◽  
Teacher Positioning

Although there is an increasing body of research on diverse aspects of language teachers’ professional practice there are still contexts that remain hardly explored. One such context is the oral examination situation encountered by experienced language teachers in Poland who aspire to be promoted in the ranks of the teaching profession. Drawing on positioning theory as a methodological tool to analyse the experience of one English teacher’s promotion examination situation, I will attempt to find out what aspects of teacher identity emerge from the small stories employed in the examination situation, as well as what lessons can be learnt from a study about teacher positioning (both self-positioning and being positioned) in the professional assessment context. Although the study is set in the Polish context, it may contribute to the knowledge on language teacher identity (re)construction in general through its focus on one area of language teacher professional practice – taking a teacher promotion examination.

scholarly journals Factors influencing language teacher cognition: An ecological systems study

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 657-680
Author(s):  
Alireza Mohammadzadeh Mohammadabadi ◽  
Saeed Ketabi ◽  
Dariush Nejadansari
Keyword(s):  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Joint Effect ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Teacher Cognition ◽  
Teacher Appraisal ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Language Teacher ◽  
Factors Influencing

Learning about language teacher cognition (LTC) is useful for understanding how language teachers act in the classroom. Employing an ecological framework, this study aimed to explore the factors influencing language teachers’ LTCs at different levels. To this end, qualitative data using semi-structured interviews and observation were collected from 62 (30 males and 32 females) Iranian EFL teachers. The results indicated that, at microsystem level, factors such as teaching equipment and facilities, teachers’ mood and feelings, their job satisfaction, and language proficiency influenced LTC. At mesosystem level, LTC was influenced by teachers’ prior learning experience, the collaboration and collegiality among teachers working in the language institute, teachers’ self-efficacy, and critical incidents that happened when teaching or learning. Additionally, the results indicated that exosystem level factors including teacher appraisal criteria, the teaching program and curriculum, and teacher immunity affected LTC. Moreover, LTC was subject to the influence of the government’s attitudes about ELT and religious beliefs about self and interaction, and friendliness with students at macrosystem level. More importantly, it was found that the factors influencing LTC were interrelated and interconnected and in several cases, LTC was a product of joint effect of several factors at various ecosystem levels. Finally, findings in this study suggest that language teaching programs provide recent educational technology in the classroom, foster collaboration and collegiality among teachers, and clarify teacher appraisal criteria for teachers in order to help create positive language teaching beliefs.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document