Action research, a methodological approach to the study of CALL

RUAN Quanyou (阮全友 )

School of Foreign Languages,Zhongnan University of Economics and Law

Email: neilruan@163.comTel: +86-27-62416723http://wyxy.znufe.edu.cn

A presentation submitted for the 2006 International

Symposium of Computer Assisted Language Learning

Introduction

General Introduction The study on CALL has been discussed for many years…

Teachers and researchers are expecting a proper theory or

a sound interpretation could match theory with practice,

illustrate the phenomena in CALL , end up the up-growing

divergent discussions.

AR, as a methodological approach into the study of CALL,

could reveal a deeper insight into the global

understanding of CALL, in essence and in different

aspects.

Zhongnan University of Economics and Law

Introduction

Objectives of this paper:

to validate the significance of introducing a

methodological approach into the study of

CALL.

to present a systematic, methodological

approach in guiding us towards a holistic,

essential understanding of CALL.

Zhongnan University of Economics and Law

Literature review

The literature of CALL study falls into two

major categories

1.Objective historical accounts which attempt to summarize the progression and might include precise dates and a comprehensive list of sources.

2. The interpretative type which tends to draw more subjective conclusions about advances and trends in the field

Delcloque,2000

While in China, the mainstream of CALL research, regardless of people's CALL activities, features largely in an introduction of CALL studies overseas.

Zhongnan University of Economics and Law

Literature review

AR, as a research method, has existed for decades, the literature of CALL research has ignored its importance.

“a form of self-reflective inquiry carried out

by practitioners, aimed at solving problem,

improving practice, or enhancing

understanding

(Nunan, 1992: cited in Bailey, Curtis and Nunan, 2004)

Zhongnan University of Economics and Law

Literature review

AR cannot be regarded merely as a qualitative research method, it might be promoted as a methodological approach

to CALL study since it carries the following five features:

1. AR focuses on solving problems in practice;

2. AR has changed teacher from a theory-receiver to a practitioner;

3. AR builds a bridge between theory and practice;

4. AR represents a reflective way of thinking;

5. AR involves a cyclic process in which research, action and evaluation are interlinked.

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Action Research, a methodological approach to the study of CALL

1. Concept of CALL

2. The participants of CALL activities

3. Research method

4. AR interacting spiral – a predominant

characteristic of this methodological approach

5. Influence on pedagogy

6. Trends of CALL development

Zhongnan University of Economics and Law

1. Concept of CALL

CALL: “the search for and study of applications of the computer in language teaching and learning”

(Levy, 1997) CALL software and computer should solve all possible problems ?

Can we watch our time until the birth of a perfect computer ?

AR reveals “a process through which practitioners study their own practice to solve their personal practical problems” (Corey, 1953)

Matches with in interpreting the role of practiceCALL AR

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2. The participants of CALL activities

CALL activities involve teacher, students and computer.

AR has changed the teacher’s role from “a consumer of someone’s research results” to “teacher as researcher” (Stenhouse, 1975)

Project-based learning, inquiry learning, research-oriented language learning, self-regulated language learning, and data-driven language learning

“student as researcher”

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3. Research method

Methodological Approach to CALL Research– CALL research design, the author’s understanding

Is there any approach that can combine both qualitative and quantitative approaches and be easily understood and accepted? (AR)

– AR - qualitative approach or quantitative approach?

Classifying an approach as qualitative research or quantitative research, does not mean that once an approach has been selected, the researcher may not move ... Each approach has its strengths and weaknesses and each is particularly suitable for a particular context.

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4. AR interacting spiral

Many scholars have discussed the cyclical nature of AR

AR interacting spiral

(Coghlan, D. & Brannick T. 2001 ) (Hopkins 1985)

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4. AR interacting spiral

AR interacting spiral: a new interpretation

Module One Module Two

learning in action learning in action

Basic research cycle of

AR-researcher

Mirror AR/Research on AR

learning on action learning on action

AR-participants AR-researcher

Self-regulated learningInquiry learningSelf-accessed learningResearch-oriented learningCollaborative learning…

Students as researcherStudents as researcher

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5. Influence on pedagogy

AR, as a methodological approach to CALL research, helps to strengthen the awareness that CALL activities should go beyond teaching methods and pedagogy.

“Behavioristic CALL, Communicative CALL and Integrative CALL (Warchauer ,1996)”

“Structural CALL, Communicative CALL and Integrative CALL (Warchauer ,2000)

“Restricted CALL, Open CALL and Integrated CALL”(Bax, 2003)

eclecticism

“Restricted CALL, Open CALL and Normalizing CALL” (Ruan & Sun, 2003)

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6.Trends of CALL development

Understanding the future of CALL research

AR and the research on AR

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Thank you for your listening!