Teacher as Researcher participants have received an initial packet of materials to assist them in the process of forming a research question. Participants will receive further training at the 1997 Summer Institute, Action Research Methods, where they will learn how to develop, implement, and report on classroom-based research. We would like every foreign language teacher to consider a question which could be the basis of some interesting classroom research. Admittedly, refining an area of interest into such a question can be challenging, and requires a good deal of reflection. However, careful consideration of the question leads to a solid research design, putting the research on a firm foundation.
Any teacher can undertake classroom research.
It is worth doing for many reasons. One is that it can give you insights that improve effectiveness in the classroom. Also it is intellectually stimulating for the reflective teacher. Such an inquiry likely will renew enthusiasm in your work. The Summer Institute, which will be held June 30-July 3 in Washington, DC., is open to interested foreign language educators.