The Use of Research to Improve Teaching and Learning in the Foreign Language Classroom Ms. Noelia Alcarazo and Dr. Nuria López University of Leicester

Research and Teaching: how do they relate? Research topics identified in the classroom Plan of action implemented in the classroom Results used to change and (hopefully) improve teaching and learning process

Action Research “A way of exploring an aspect of teaching/learning or solving a particular classroom problem by devising a plan of action, implementing it, noting the outcome, reflecting on one’s observations, possibly slightly amending the plan and then repeating the cycle.” John Klapper

Action Research Cycle 2. Plan designed and implemented in the classroom 3. Results analysed and used to improve teaching/learning 1. Identify research topic in the classroom

Identify research topic in the classroom Our case study: Help students to reflect on their speaking skills by thinking about preference of activities/materials identifying strengths and weaknesses thinking about strategies to improve

Design and Implementation of Plan of Action Self-assessment Questionnaire to beused by students after an hour-long oral lesson. Self-assessment as first step to reflect on activities and performance and to identify strengths/weaknesses.

Self-assessment questionnaire How well did you do in the following parts of the lesson: work in pairs, preparation for the role play, work in group? As for the group work, which are the advantages of working in a group? Are there any disadvantages? And can you think of solutions to those problems? What have you learnt and what are you capable of doing as a result of this lesson?

What did you find more difficult when having to speak in Spanish? achieve a pronunciation close to the pronunciation of native speakers use vocabulary and expressions appropriate to the context use a wide range of vocabulary and expressions be fluent form grammatically correct structures overcome shyness and nervousness other aspects (specify) How do you think you can improve in those aspects you found more difficult?

Results Analysed and Used to Improve Teaching/Learning Has it worked? “Customer” and teacher satisfaction Improvement in learning What is next? The cycle continues: Adaptation/improvement of questionnaire and new implementation Plan of action to follow questionnaire

Conclusion Action research is efficient solving identified problems, makes teaching more rewarding and learning more active and meaningful. It works!

What the future holds Are students making good use of the feedback provided? What transferable skills do language students acquire and how can they use them?