Research Design for the Language Learning Classroom

On-going evaluation of their own teaching and their students' learning is something that most teachers do, whether engaged in formal research or not. However, engaging in classroom research and ultimately publishing it allows teacher practitioners to share their findings with a wider audience to improve teaching and learning. In this hands-on workshop, participants will discuss and debate the merits of various approaches to classroom research, for example reflective investigations, action research and exploratory practice, to determine which is the best approach for their context. The presenter will also offer practical tips on how to follow through and publish classroom research.

Dr. Cindy Gunn is the Director of the Faculty Development Center and Professor of TESOL in the Department of English at American University of Sharjah (AUS). Her main research interests are effective technology use in education, reflective teaching and learning and materials development. She is the author and editor of three books on classroom research and has published more than 30 peer reviewed journal articles and book chapters. She has presented her research both internationally and locally in the UAE at conferences with a focus on Educational Technology, TESOL, Classroom Research and Educational Leadership.

Using SPSS for data analysis

This session will provide an overview of IBM-SPSS software, focusing on the process of preparing variables and generating key non-parametric and parametric statistics for analysis. It will highlight best practices for analysis and use of SPSS for faculty applied research projects and achieving publications. The presentation will emphasize the appropriate use of SPSS statistics based on meeting necessary assumptions. The presentation will place in context use of SPSS with important applied research designs, processes, and methods. The presentation is designed to support faculty applied research projects.

Matthew A. Robby is an academic scholar with expertise in organizational leadership, applied research and program evaluation (process/impact studies), SPSS-statistics, surveys, assessments, and data-driven planning to enhance the development, quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of systems, programs, and interventions in education, health sciences, public agencies, and the community. Dr. Robby has 20 years of experience as a program evaluator and two decades in education in leadership / management positions as follows: Research Associate (1997-2000) at California State University; District Evaluator for Riverside County Public Schools (2000-2010); Chair of Applied Research and Quality Improvement, Office of the Provost, Higher Colleges of Technology; UNESCO Chair of Applied research for the Sharjah Higher Colleges of Technology and Education Zone (2013-2015); and Program Chair of the Daman Institute of Health Economics for the HCT (2015-2107). He is currently Co-Chair of the HCT Applied Research Ethics Panel, Vice Chair of the Sharjah Applied Research Committee, and Assistant Professor in the Health Sciences Department in Sharjah-HCT. Dr. Robby is a member of the American Evaluation Association, Canadian Evaluation Society, and International Development Evaluation Association.

Using software to analyze qualitative data

There is a strong tradition in educational research of using qualitative data (from lessons or other learning activities, interviews or materials) to understand the complex processes of learning and teaching. This session shows how qualitative analysis software such as NVivo can help you to manage large amounts of qualitative data, to build up a rich picture of educational experiences, to identify patterns in the data and to generate questions that can lead to greater insight into teaching and learning. We will look at various kinds of qualitative data and demonstrate some of the capabilities of this software.

Dr. David M. Palfreyman is an Associate Professor in the Department of English and Writing Studies at Zayed University, Dubai. He holds a PhD in Language Studies and is an active researcher in language, learning and teaching. As well as publishing work in international journals, he is the editor of three books: Learner Autonomy Across Cultures (with Richard C. Smith), Learning and Teaching Across Cultures in Higher Education (with Dawn L. McBride) and Academic Biliteracies (with Christa van der Walt). He also teaches, supervises research and assesses work in postgraduate study and educational development.

Writing a Research Paper

This session will take participants through the process of writing a research paper for publication. The presenter will first look at the structure of a research paper and then proceed to provide specific guidance and advice on writing each section of the research paper. Models of best practice will be shared with the participants who will also be given information and advice on where to publish their papers as well as the review and publication process.

Dr. Christina Gitsaki is a Professor and Research Coordinator at the Center for Educational Innovation, Zayed University, UAE. During her 20-year career in higher education she has contributed to the field in a number of different capacities such as English language teacher, applied linguistics lecturer, pre-service teacher educator, in-service teacher trainer, editor, and researcher. At the CEI, Dr. Gitsaki oversees the Mobile Learning Research Fund, the SoTL Certication Course, the development of resources for research and she provides advice and mentorship to faculty who are interested in engaging in research on teaching and learning.