An Assessment of the Extent of English Language Teachers' Involvement in Conducting Action Research (with Particular Reference to Teachers Teaching at Colleges of Teacher Education in Amhara Region)
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Date
2007-07
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The main objective of the study was to find out the extent of English
language teachers' involvement in conducting action research, with
particular reference to teachers teaching at Colleges of Teacher
Education in Amhara Region. In order to achieve this objective,
relevant data were gathered from seventeen English language
teachers, nine from Debre Markos and eight from Debre Birhan
Colleges of Teacher Education. In addition, academic and research
vice deans, and English language . department heads, in the two
colleges, were included in the study. Questionnaires, structured
interview and document analysis were used to gather data. The data
gathered were organized by using tables, and analysis and
interpretation were made on each datum. The analyses were done by
both quantitative and qualitative methods.
Based on the analyses and interpretations, it was found out that
majority of the teachers had the interest and the confidence to
conduct action research. The administration of each college was
supportive of research activities. In this regard, there was provision
of resources like finance and incentives even if not sufficient,
computer and internet access, stationery materials, secretarial and
printing service, moral support from each college for teachers'
research activities. Shortage of time, work load, and lack of adequate
action research skill were the main constraints for teachers to
conduct action research whereas the supportive nature of college
administration to research activities, the training teachers got from
the Higher Diploma Program, the Research and Publication Office,
the research finding presentations, teachers' level of qualification,
teachers' teaching and research experience were facilitating factors
of teachers' research activities. None of them had conscious effort to
conduct action research and the extent of their involvement showed
no improvement.
Therefore, it was recommended that in order to enhance their
involvement in action research, training programs should be
arranged frequently, there should be pre-planning of the activities
that are to be carried out in a year, and it is better if teachers
conduct their action research collaboratively because it can avoid, if
possible, or minimize certain constraints.
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An Assessment of the Extent, English Language Teachers