Exploratory Practice (EP) has been developed over the last 15 or so years as an approach to practitioner research that is devoted to understanding the quality of language classroom life. It started in reaction both to academic classroom research and to Action Research, the practitioner research model most in vogue at that time in our field. At…

Describes three activities that formed part of an action-research project carried out in advanced English-for-academic-purposes classes. Outlines the activities, presents samples of student responses, and evaluates the usefulness of academic journalogs as used in these classes. (Author/VWL)

Reports on the introduction of an action research component into an existing graduate foreign language teaching methodology course for beginning foreign language teachers (graduate teaching assistants and graduate students) at the college level. Discusses the implementation, benefits, and caveats of such a project, illustrated with samples of…

This action research investigated the problem of college students' participation in German class, examining how to engage students in focusing on form when grammar and accuracy held no interest for them. The action research showed how collaborative work could inform a teacher's perception of classroom events, leading to definable changes and…

This paper reports on an action-research project that focuses on the assessment of second language teacher education. It was carried out in the context of the Cambridge Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA) and centres on how assessment criteria for this qualification are interpreted and operationalized by teacher educators…

With the advent of new technologies, more convenient and effective ways of learning are being adopted. However, despite the growing advancements there remains a lack of literature in applications of using these technology teaching approaches. This book offers in-depth analysis of new technologies in blended learning that promote creativity,…

Chapter titles in this book include the following: "Attitude and Access: Building a New Teaching/Learning Community in TESOL" (Julian Edge); "Here It Is, Rough Though It May Be: Basic Computer for ESL" (Alison Perkins); "An 'It's Not Action Research Yet, but I'm Getting There' Approach to Teaching Writing" (Neil Cowie); "Early Reflections:…

A discussion of a particular problem in an individual teacher's second language classroom leads to a definition of "action research", examines the issues to be addressed before undertaking it, and results in suggestions for designing and implementing the study. Action research is defined as a process designed to improve teaching and facilitate…

This study was designed to include a segment of phonemic awareness in a multi-level English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) classroom as learning progress seemed to be inhibited in part by a lack of understanding of the structure of the English language. A survey was developed and administered to measure student progress to establish a baseline.…

Argues that an educational perspective is required for examining how second language acquisition (SLA) can contribute to language pedagogy (LP). Different models of application are considered, reflecting different ways of viewing teaching. It is suggested that SLA constitutes a source of "provisional specifications" that practitioners can evaluate…

Describes preliminary findings of an action research project undertaken by teachers in Setubal, Portugal, who are exploring ways to introduce English as a first foreign language into the Portuguese primary school curriculum. (three references) (CK)

Describes a "Culture and Foreign Language" action research project that consisted of two years teaching experience with Finnish uppersecondary school pupils. (21 references) (CK)

Seven noted researchers each describe a different orientation to research exemplified in their own studies and currently predominant in the teaching of English to speakers of other languages. The statements consider aspects of language behavior, frameworks for interpreting curricula or culture such as classroom interaction or ethnography, or…

Based on a teaching and learning experience that infused a service-learning project into a community college English as a Second Language (ESL) course curriculum, discusses the tangible benefits that ESL students gained as a result of participating in the service-learning project. (Contains 24 references.) (KS)

Describes an action research project designed to experiment with alternative forms of feedback and to circumvent the less helpful aspects of written marking. As part of the project, four writing teachers formed an action research group to investigate the feasibility of offering audiotaped feedback in a systematic fashion to groups of students. (15…