Event
Home(1) Utilizing observations to explore feedback in SLA classrooms; (2) Interviews for collecting data on feedback in the classroom
Saturday, July 9th, 2011, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Speaker: (1) Charles J. Anderson; (2) Marie-Emilie Masson
Utilizing observations to explore feedback in SLA classrooms (Charles J. Anderson)
A better understanding of feedback use in the classroom has the potential to improve teaching practice and learning outcomes. To date, much of the feedback research in SLA has focused on the efficacy of corrective feedback, though research in other disciplines indicates other forms may be more effective. This paper will outline the justification for, and methodology behind a study investigating teachers' use of feedback in one private university in Japan. This paper will begin by comparing SLA feedback research to that conducted in other educational contexts, with a focus on research methodology and the resulting findings, in order to demonstrate the need for more qualitative research exploring feedback use in SLA classrooms. Accepted qualitative research design will then be presented, and existing appropriate qualitative instruments will be examined. The paper will then outline how classroom observations are one potentially valuable source of data provided they are conducted appropriately. Practical advice on conducting classroom observations in a Japanese tertiary setting, especially pertaining to ethics, materials, procedures, and demands of time will then be addressed. Approaches to data analysis, with a particular focus on the role of qualitative software, in this case Nvivo 8, will then be presented. The floor will then be opened for discussion.
Interviews for collecting data on feedback in the classroom (Marie-Emilie Masson)
The presentation will start with an examination into the role of interviews in qualitative SLA research, as well as the role of the researcher in ethnographic research. The presenter will discuss issues faced while conducting research on feedback perceived by students in the language classroom. Issues will pertain to conducting interviews in a Japanese tertiary setting, access through gatekeepers, language barriers, ethics, necessary materials and use of software to analyze the data. Finally, a brief look at the type of data collected will be offered as well as a discussion on what qualitative methodology can bring to the table with regards to research in the Japanese setting considering the challenges faced by researchers as L2 speakers of Japanese.
Organization: Fukuoka Chapter of the Japan Association for Language Teaching (Fukuoka JALT)
Cost: JALT Members: free
Non-members: 1000 yen
Venue: Seinan Community Center (see a map to the venue). Near Nishijin Subway station.
Location: Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan
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