A pioneering new scheme in the UK will provide support for English language teachers to carry out research into classroom practice. English UK, which represents over 470 English language teaching schools and centres, has joined forces with Cambridge English Language Assessment to create professional development opportunities for staff at its member centres.
“We know there are people who are interested in doing action research but are wondering how to proceed”
The Action Research Award Scheme was formally launched at English UK’s Teachers’ Conference in London earlier this month. Participants will be supported in chosen research projects, receive expenses to attend special workshops and will present findings at next year’s Teachers’ Conference. They will also have their papers published in Cambridge English’s Research Notes.
Individuals or pairs of teachers who are interested in participating must apply by January 6, after which six will be chosen to receive support including guidance on how to collect and analyse data.
Huan Japes, English UK’s Deputy Chief Executive for professional services, said: “We’re really excited about this. We’re looking for teachers who want to investigate something they are really passionate about, connected with teaching or learning, and which will help develop their learners – and perhaps inspire development in others.”
“We know there are people who are interested in doing action research but are wondering how to proceed,” he said. “With these scheme, we’ll provide support and guidance, and make sure the research gets into the public domain and the hands of other EL teachers at the end of the process.”
Simon Borg, a Cambridge English ELT specialist and scheme facilitator, explained that the research will be “different to general research for universal knowledge”.
“It’s about me as a practitioner wanting to learn more about my own learners, my own work, my own context and become better at what I do,” he said. “It doesn’t mean others aren’t going to be interested: it’s great if they are. But the starting point is understanding of ourselves.
“Its primary purpose is the enhancement of teachers. If they benefit, learners benefit. If we’re achieving that it’s great.”
English Australia also runs an Action Research programme in coordination with Cambridge English. Examples of projects which received funding last year are here.