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What is research?
A systematic process of inquiry
consisting of three elements or
components: (1) a question, problem
or hypothesis, (2) data, and (3)
analysis and interpretation.
(Nunan 1992, 3)
Applied research:
Deals with human and societal problems in
the hopes of finding solutions to real-world
problems.
Not trying to postulate theory but trying to
find answers for a specific time, place and
context.
(McKay 2006, 4)
Fundamentals in
research
Research should be able to meet the tests
of:
Validity
Success of measuring what
=>
Reliability
=>
Research paradigms
Paradigm is a set of basic beliefs
Three dominant paradigms:
Positivsm
Constructivism
Critical Theory
Research: What?
Strictly speaking anything in language teaching.
General areas:
Language policy
Syllabus, curriculum
Materials, textbooks, etc.
Technology
Methodology
Specific skills
Teaching of grammar, vocabulary, etc.
Language for specific purposes
Culture
Motivation, affective factors
Etc.
Overall Methodology
Approach to research:
Quantitative research (e.g. crosssectional process-product)
Qualitative
Ethnographic
Action research
Case study
Etc.
Conversation analysis
Tests
Verbal reports
Learner diaries
Ethnographic methods e.g. observation (multiple sources of
data) and participation by researcher
Case study
Linguistic survey
Corpus-based research
Text-based research
Etc.
Research: Who?
Researchers:
Teachers
Learners (why not?)
Being researched:
Research: Steps of
research
Collect data
Describe process and results
Discussion and Conclusion
In closing
As researcher be aware of:
your own assumptions on language
learning and teaching
the exact aim of research
boundaries of research (or put differently:
what you are NOT researching)
choosing appropriate methods for the
research
the fact that research of language teaching
and learning is about humans! Protect
them and let them benefit. (McKay 2006, viii)
Bibliography
Hinkel, E. (ed.). 2005. Handbook of research in second
language teaching and learning. London: Routledge.
Available on Google Books: http://books.google.co.za .
(This book is highly recommended.)
McKay, S. 2006. Researching second language classrooms.
London: Routledge. Available on Google Books. (This
book is highly recommended.)
Nunan, D. 1992. Research methods in language learning.
Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.
Nunan, D. 2005. Classroom Research. In: E. Hinkel (ed.).
Handbook of research in second language teaching and
learning. London: Routledge. 225-240. Available on
Google Books.
Richards, K. 2009. Trends in qualitative research in
language teaching since 2000. Language Teaching,
42(2): 147-180.