Exploring the Utility of Action Research to Investigate Second-Language Classrooms as Complex Systems

Autor/inn/en	Ahmadian, Mohammad Javad; Tavakoli, Mansoor
Titel	Exploring the Utility of Action Research to Investigate Second-Language Classrooms as Complex Systems
Quelle	In: Educational Action Research, 19 (2011) 2, S.121-136 (16 Seiten)Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	0965-0792
Schlagwörter	Action Research; Applied Linguistics; Teaching Skills; Teaching Methods; Identification; Second Language Learning; Theories; Models; English Teachers; Foreign Countries; Elementary Secondary Education; Higher Education; Iran + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Projektforschung; Linguistics; Linguistik; Angewandte Linguistik; Lehrbefähigung; Lehrkompetenz; Unterrichtsbefähigung; Teaching method; Lehrmethode; Unterrichtsmethode; Identifikation; Identifizierung; Zweitsprachenerwerb; Theory; Theorie; Analogiemodell; English language lessons; Teacher; Teachers; Englischunterricht; Lehrer; Lehrerin; Lehrende; Ausland; Hochschulbildung; Hochschulsystem; Hochschulwesen
Abstract	Action research is geared to changes for the better and has the potential to assist teachers to extend their teaching skills and develop a deeper understanding of themselves, their classroom and their learners. However, in the area of applied linguistics, the viability of action research has been seriously questioned. In this article, we argue that adopting a complexity-theory perspective, which requires teachers to be dynamic and complex in their approach, helps in identifying action research as a suitable research tradition for investigating second-language classrooms and in turn using it widely to invigorate the field of applied linguistics. Our argumentation is supported by the fundamental links between action research and complexity theory as an emerging paradigm in education. Although the case made in this article concerns second-language classrooms, the conclusions reached may well apply to any classroom that shares some commonalities with second-language classrooms. (Contains 1 note, 1 table, and 1 figure.) (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2017/4/10