Developing Research Literacy

This page contains resources that language teachers can use in order to develop research literacy. We keep adding to this list of resources, so feel make sure you visit regularly!

Materials for autonomous study

This section contains materials that aim to develop your ability to engage with professional knowledge. We use the term 'professional knowledge' to include a broad range of resources, from research articles to reports on classroom-based inquiry, and from publications in academic journals to work that has been disseminated in other professional outlets (e.g., videos, blogs, etc.).

These materials are designed to help you locate and access such materials, appraise their credibility and relevance and engage with their content in order to build your own personal and situated understanding of your professional context. The five modules that you will find below have been designed for self-directed study, although you may find it helpful to work with groups of colleagues. You can use the materials in a linear way, starting from the first module and working your way forward. However, each module can also be used independently, so you engage with them in any way that matches your needs.

The materials are presently in draft form, and we welcome any suggestions on how to make them more relevant to your needs.

Drawing on published professional knowledge

In this introductory module, we explore the various forms in which published professional knowledge appears. We also learn about how are engagement is shaped by different learning motivations.

Critical reading and evaluation of professional knowledge

This module is designed to help you develop skills and strategies for critical thinking and reading. This approach will enable you to evaluate the sources of professional knowledge you study depending on how relevant they are to your interest and the quality of their content.

Locating relevant and credible publications

This module aims to develop your ability to navigate the multitude of available professional knowledge resources. It also provides guidance for thinking about the credibility of different publications.

Alternative forms of professional knowledge

In this module, we challenge the typical linear structure of academic articles by examining alternative forms of academic expression based on the arts (e.g., poetry, video, and comics). We also present a more profoundly critical approach to professional knowledge by discussing decolonization.

Engaging with journal articles

This module focuses on journal articles where professional knowledge might appear. The activities in the module aim to develop your ability to access the articles you need, extract the information that is relevant to you, and make informed decisions on their usefulness.

OASIS

OASIS is a searchable database of Open Accessible Summaries in Language Studies. This continually expanding curated resource makes research on language learning, use, and education available and accessible to a wide audience.

The ILIAS.nrw project

The ILIAS.nrw project website contains useful information about implementing Inquiry-Based Learning in Higher Education.

AI tools for writing

This project will develop OER materials, including short educational videos, that demonstrate current best practices for using AI tools in writing pedagogy.

Classroom observation guidelines

In this webpage you can find some resources, ideas and guidelines for conducting classroom observations.

For Learning in Teacher Education (FLiTE)

FLiTE is a platform where those involved in initial teacher education can find resources and inspiration to develop their practice.

AI tools for writing

This project will develop OER materials, including short educational videos, that demonstrate current best practices for using AI tools in writing pedagogy.

professional developmnet training sessions for teachers

Transcending Boundaries:

Fostering an Open Research-Teaching Dialogue

in ELT

Presentations and material from the symposium held by the Manchester Centre for Research in Linguistics which focused on bridging the research-practice gap in English Language Teaching (13 October 2023).

Innovative methodologies and assessment in language learning

This ECML and EU-funded initiative aims to to support the linguistic integration of children with a migrant background and to achieve good quality and comparability in language testing and assessment, as well as to promote the effective use of ICT tools and open resources in support of quality language teaching and learning.