Language teachers’ perceptions of practitioner research
Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education
ISSN: 2050-7003
Article publication date: 31 December 2019
Issue publication date: 15 December 2020
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine language teachers’ perceptions of practitioner research to establish an understanding whether research comprises a fundamental component in their career.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative study was conducted with language teachers and coordinators from various schools in Lebanon. Questionnaires were distributed to 50 language teachers, followed by semi-structured interviews conducted with language coordinators, and in-depth interviews with language teachers who are practitioner researchers.
Findings
Results indicated that research is a minority activity for language teachers due to lack of time, overwhelming working conditions and lack of flexibility in the workplace.
Research limitations/implications
There was a lack of cooperation between teachers and coordinators.
Originality/value
This study provides teachers in Lebanon with the opportunity of transforming their voice through participating in and being agents of research rather than solely observing the process which attempts to bridge theory to practice.
Keywords
Citation
Arayssi, S.I., Bahous, R., Diab, R. and Nabhani, M. (2020), "Language teachers’ perceptions of practitioner research", Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, Vol. 12 No. 5, pp. 897-914. https://doi.org/10.1108/JARHE-04-2019-0076
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited