Research in the Primary English Classroom

Teachers can and should be encouraged to take initiatives, make decisions for themselves, and adapt materials and activities for their specific circumstances. This approach implies that teachers monitor and develop their own understanding of teaching and learning on an ongoing basis. Explorations, reflections, and readiness to change are principles that remain at the core of all good teaching.

Recording a classroom can provide an objective record of exactly what was said, what questions were asked, or what instructions were given. In addition, teachers may choose to write an action research diary to note down thoughts, feelings, and insights during the process of investigation. It is impossible to concentrate on everything in every lesson and, therefore, it is helpful occasionally to focus on and explore specific aspects of one's own practice.

Observation is one of the most commonly used research methods with children. Many questions and issues in the TEYL classroom can be explored by using systematic observation. In addition to the traditional paper-based observation instruments, teachers can use tablets to take pictures or short videos of classroom events.

Teachers need to find out as much as possible about their learners so that they can adjust their teaching to children's changing needs. Asking children about their views and opinions is consistent with the philosophy of this book. Questionnaires are suitable for quick factual surveys, but they require a good level of literacy.

In interviews, it is important that children are able to ask questions and have repeated opportunities to make sense of the purpose of the research. Interviews should also be flexible, in the sense that children can express themselves through drawings, games, drama and other inclusive tools, not just words.

Using more than one instrument to investigate a question is often referred to as triangulating data - the word suggests that three angles are used to find answers to a question. The general advice is to gather data from several sources, so that you have access to all the information you need to answer the question in the right way.

The more teachers know about the complexities and children they are working with, the better their chance of success. Investigating classrooms, the learning process, and their own practices are part of effective teachers' practice. Children's views and opinions should be valued, and this is consistent with the principles advocated in this book.

Source: Teaching Young Language Learners (Second Edition). Annamaria Pinter. Oxford University Press 2017