ERIC Number: EJ970220
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012-May
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1175-8708
EISSN: N/A
Choosing between Methodologies: An Inquiry into English Learning Processes in a Taiwanese Indigenous School
Lin, Wen-Chuan
English Teaching: Practice and Critique, v11 n1 p43-59 May 2012
Traditional, cognitive-oriented theories of English language acquisition tend to employ experimental modes of inquiry and neglect social, cultural and historical contexts. In this paper, I review the theoretical debate over methodology by examining ontological, epistemological and methodological controversies around cognitive-oriented theories. I also present a socio-cultural research study on English language learning in a Taiwanese indigenous school as an example for discussion. Findings suggest that non-experimental modes of inquiry that employ multiple methods for multi-layered analysis are productive and appropriate. Socio-cultural theoretical lenses and methodological instruments may liberate research in English language studies and broaden our understanding of English learning and teaching. (Contains 3 tables and 3 extracts.)
Descriptors: Learning Processes, English (Second Language), English, Second Language Learning, Indigenous Populations, Foreign Countries, Research Methodology, Inquiry, Sociocultural Patterns, Cognitive Processes, Cultural Influences, High School Students, Learning Experience
Wilf Malcolm Institute for Educational Research, University of Waikato. PB 3105, Hamilton, New Zealand. Tel: +64-7-858-5171; Fax: +64-7-838-4712; e-mail: wmier@waikato.ac.nz; Web site: http://education.waikato.ac.nz/research/journal/index.php?id=1
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: High Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Taiwan
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A