Key Methods in Second Language Acquisition Research - Alessandro Benati
3. Action Research Framework
Key Methods in Second Language Acquisition Research - Alessandro Benati
Alessandro G. Benati [+]
University of Portsmouth
Professor Alessandro Benati is Professor of Second Language Acquisition and Head of School of Languages and Area Studies at the University of Portsmouth. He is internationally known for his research in second language learning and teaching, with special emphases on processing instruction. He is a pioneering researcher in the area of second language acquisition (SLA) and has built a reputation on two fronts. On one front, he is a premier Italian language scholar producing the most empirical work on the teaching and acquisition of Italian in the world. On the other front, he is a scholar in the more general field of instructed SLA, with an emphasis on the effects of formal instruction on the acquisition of grammatical properties by second language learners. He has a strong publications record with 12 established monographs, chapters and articles in international journals (Language Awareness, IRAL, and Language Teaching Research).
Description
In this chapter the main components of the Action Research approach to second language research and the considerations and steps involved in implementing an Action Research will be presented and analysed. Advantages and threats in using this framework will be explored. An exemplary study will be presented to show and to describe to readers how Action Research is conducted and how findings are presented. Sources for further reading will be provided.