Research papers

Using action research to explore technology in language teaching: international perspectives

It reports on how the project was implemented by means of virtual collaborative workshops, the responses of the teachers to conducting their action research over a period of nine months, and what lessons were learned about initiating an...
L2 reading and reading-while-listening in multimodal learning conditions: An eye-tracking study

Multimodal reading materials, which combine text, audio and pictures, are frequently used in English language teaching to support reading development and improve reading comprehension. However, our understanding of the effectiveness of these methods...
What is the impact of study abroad on oral fluency development? A comparison of study abroad and study at home

Developing fluency in spoken English is perhaps the most frequently cited reason for choosing to study for a degree in an English-speaking country. However, the evidence is largely limited to studies tracking a single cohort of students, with few...
Internationalisation, higher education and the growing demand for English: An investigation into the English medium of instruction (EMI) movement in China and Japan

EMI is becoming a rapidly growing global phenomenon, although provision is outpacing empirical research. This research used questionnaires with students and staff at universities in Japan and China and interviews with students, content staff and...
Children and teachers as co-researchers: A handbook of activities

It is an outcome of a project titled Children and teachers as co-researchers in Indian primary English classrooms. A report on this project is also available for download. Children have been equal participants in exploring aspects of their own...
An investigation into improved primary school English language learning in the traditional classroom

It explores their aspirations for English and how/whether these are supported in the English language classroom. This paper will be of particular interest to teachers/policymakers who aim to give pupils a greater role in participating in English...
A comparative study of English language teacher recruitment, in-service education and retention in Latin America and the Middle East

These geographical areas appear to have significant social, economic and political differences, however, as well as providing an interesting insight into the lives of the teachers living and working in each country studied. This report also...
Children and teachers as co-researchers in Indian primary English classrooms

The paper describes the overall approach, and the three workshops which were organised to help participating teachers involve children as ‘co-researchers’. Findings show that teachers and children were overwhelmingly positive about the project and...
Investigating NEST schemes around the world: supporting NEST/LET collaborative practices

This research paper is free to download below as a pdf file. The project produced two other outputs, which are also available to download:a set of training materials to support local English teachers (LETs) and native English speaker teachers (NESTs...
Materials: Developing collaborative practice between LETs and NESTs

The materials are designed for ease of use. Each activity provides information on focus, learning outcomes, mode of delivery and materials, as well as a step-by-step guide on how to use them. Some of the materials are designed primarily for face-to-...
Researching the attitudes and perceived experiences of kindergarten learners of English and their parents in China

The project shows how the use of these methods with children of such young ages is feasible. The findings offer rich data and insights into cognitive, emotional and behavioural aspects of these participants towards English learning in China. Authors...
The English language needs and priorities of young adults in the European Union: student and teacher perceptions

The findings reveal that both teachers and students accept different native English speaker varieties and non-native English as a lingua franca for communication; recognise the need for English for employment and study; and emphasise the importance...
Mobile pedagogy for English language teaching: A guide for teachers

The ideas within highlight the use of activities which exploit a dynamic language and technology environment while drawing on teacher wisdom and the distinctive capabilities of both teachers and their learners.This publication is free to download in...
Parents and young learners in English language teaching: global practices and issues in school–home contacts

This publication is free to download in pdf format.
The evaluation of non-native speaking English language trainee teachers' practice: unfolding university supervisors' and host teachers' perspectives on judging performance

This paper is free to download below
Motivations and expectations of English language learning among primary school children and parents in China

This publication is free to download below.
The impact of teacher education on pre-service primary English language teachers

This research project received funding from the British Council’s English Language Teaching Research Award. This publication is free to download.
The impact of English on learners’ wider lives

This research project received funding from the British Council’s English Language Teaching Research Award.This publication is free to download.
Key factors and challenges in transition from primary to secondary schooling in ELT: an international perspective

The research project received funding from the British Council’s English Language Teaching Research Award.This publication is free to download below.
English reconceived: Raising teachers’ awareness of English as a ‘plurilithic’ resource through an online course

This publication is free to download.
Identity in foreign language learning and teaching: why listening to our students’ and teachers’ voices really matters

The importance of providing a personally relevant learning and teaching environment is discussed and the report provides several practical suggestions of how this can be achieved.4,151 students and 161 teachers from Bulgaria, Germany, the...
Own-language use in ELT: exploring global practices and attitudes

They found evidence of widespread own-language use within ELT, and suggest that teachers’ attitudes towards own-language use, and their classroom practices, are more complex than usually acknowledged. The findings also suggest that there is a...
How to make yourself understood by international students: The role of metaphor in academic tutorials

This paper reports on a study of oral interactions between lecturers and international students studying at a British university and a Spanish one.Metaphors and gestures were identified as being used successfully and less successfully in different...
Learner autonomy: English language teachers’ beliefs and practices

This study, conducted in Oman, reports on teacher beliefs and reported practices regarding learner autonomy. Data were collected through questionnaires and interviews.The report includes details of the professional development workshops for...
Attitudes to English as a language for international development in rural Bangladesh

This ethnographic survey conducted in 2 rural communities in Bangladesh investigates the needs and aspirations of the local community in order to better understand how English language education could contribute to development. This paper is free to...

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Using action research to explore technology in language teaching: international perspectives

L2 reading and reading-while-listening in multimodal learning conditions: An eye-tracking study

What is the impact of study abroad on oral fluency development? A comparison of study abroad and study at home

Internationalisation, higher education and the growing demand for English: An investigation into the English medium of instruction (EMI) movement in China and Japan

Children and teachers as co-researchers: A handbook of activities

An investigation into improved primary school English language learning in the traditional classroom

A comparative study of English language teacher recruitment, in-service education and retention in Latin America and the Middle East

Children and teachers as co-researchers in Indian primary English classrooms

Investigating NEST schemes around the world: supporting NEST/LET collaborative practices

Materials: Developing collaborative practice between LETs and NESTs

Researching the attitudes and perceived experiences of kindergarten learners of English and their parents in China

The English language needs and priorities of young adults in the European Union: student and teacher perceptions

Mobile pedagogy for English language teaching: A guide for teachers

Parents and young learners in English language teaching: global practices and issues in school–home contacts

The evaluation of non-native speaking English language trainee teachers' practice: unfolding university supervisors' and host teachers' perspectives on judging performance

Motivations and expectations of English language learning among primary school children and parents in China

The impact of teacher education on pre-service primary English language teachers

The impact of English on learners’ wider lives

Key factors and challenges in transition from primary to secondary schooling in ELT: an international perspective

English reconceived: Raising teachers’ awareness of English as a ‘plurilithic’ resource through an online course

Identity in foreign language learning and teaching: why listening to our students’ and teachers’ voices really matters

Own-language use in ELT: exploring global practices and attitudes

How to make yourself understood by international students: The role of metaphor in academic tutorials

Learner autonomy: English language teachers’ beliefs and practices

Attitudes to English as a language for international development in rural Bangladesh

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