Action research for teaching grammar

Melissa Reed*, Phil Chappell

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

The role of grammar in English language teaching has been an area of ongoing interest for teachers and researchers. Action research (AR) can make an important contribution to understanding grammar teaching, as it provides an avenue for the investigation of different approaches and their effectiveness at a classroom level. However, grammar has been somewhat neglected in the AR literature in comparison to other aspects of English language learning and teaching. In this chapter, a literature review of AR studies focusing on grammar in this field is provided. These studies, from a variety of contexts over the last two decades, show a growing interest in inductive methods of grammar teaching, a focus on engaging and interesting approaches to teaching language, and the development of student autonomy, among other themes. Overall, teachers and students seemed to reap positive benefits from engaging in AR. In many of the studies, students' understanding of grammar improved, and in some cases accuracy in production improved, but only if adequate opportunities were provided for practice. Where teachers tried to make classes more dynamic and student-centred, and grammar was presented in a contextualised way, engagement in learning grammar increased. Teachers undertaking an action AR project in this area also described benefits such as an increased understanding of language and positive improvements in their general teaching practice. This chapter provides tips for teachers to engage in their own AR projects on grammar, including offering suggested starting points for investigation and ideas on data collection. In addition, professional development questions provide opportunities for teachers to reflect on their own beliefs about language and their teaching practice.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe Routledge handbook of language teacher action research
EditorsAnne Burns, Kenan Dikilitaş
Place of PublicationAbingdon, Oxon
PublisherRoutledge, Taylor and Francis Group
Chapter8
Pages83-95
Number of pages13
ISBN (Electronic)9781040269947, 9781003367352
ISBN (Print)9781032434421, 9781032434438
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2025

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