This paper describes and evaluates the implementation of an English oral skills action research project carried out at Colegio Atlántico del Sur (henceforth, CADS), a private middle school in Argentina. The participants of this study were 24 learners, their teacher and a teacherresearcher and evaluator. Data were collected from the learners’ oral output, questionnaires, interviews and classroom observations. The findings were analyzed against a set of given criteria based on the literature and our own experience as teachers of English. The results revealed that after having worked with collaborative tasks, which combined a focus on form during a relatively short period of time, these learners were able to moderately improve their spoken English; they became more aware of how certain aspects of language work and they were able to develop their self-confidence and stimulate their motivation to continue learning in class. Secondly, action research projects of this type, where teachers are made to work collaboratively and reflect on their practices, are also valuable in that these aspects contribute significantly to improve teacher development. Finally, some avenues for future research in this area were highlighted.
목차
ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION LITERATURE REVIEW THE ACTION RESEARCH PROJECT Identifying the Problem Instructional Setting: Context and Participants Development of the Collaborative AR Project Implementation Instruments of Data Collection Students’ Oral Output Students’ Questionnaires Student Interviews Class Observations DISCUSSION CONCLUSION THE AUTHORS REFERENCES APPENDICES
The goals of Asia TEFL are to promote scholarship, disseminate information, and facilitate cross-cultural understanding among persons concerned with the teaching and learning of English in Asia. In order to accomplish this, Asia TEFL will pursue the following goals:
1. To link ELT professionals in joint research on issues and concerns regarding English teaching and learning in the Asian context.
2. To publish an academic journal, The Asia TEFL Journal, as an internationally recognized journal in the field of English language teaching.
3. To host conferences and seminars addressing important issues concerning ELT in Asia.
4. To develop proficiency guidelines and assessment methods designed for the needs of the Asian context.
5. To develop programs for Asian learners and teachers of English to build their English language proficiency and cultural understanding and provide them with the skills required to be efficient English teaching professionals.