How to do... Research questions

Starting points
Make a list of questions you have about your experiences in the classroom or topics which interest you in teaching and learning. Perhaps there have been lessons where an activity or a task didn't succeed as well as you had expected. Perhaps you are keen to find ways of engaging your learners in more speaking practice. Perhaps you would like to develop an out-of-class reading programme for your learners.
Select one question or topic and reflect:

• Why are you interested in this topic?
• What do you want to change, improve or develop?
• What do you want to know or understand?
• What are your learners' needs?
• Write your research question

Tips
√ Don't ask questions which can be answered with a yes or a no - this will not provide a foundation for research.
√ Consider whether and how researching this question will help you to develop. Don't waste time exploring things you already know the answer to.
√ Be realistic in terms of time and resources - have you got time to do the research? What resources will you need?
√ Make sure your question is ‘researchable' - think about how you will find the answer. What tools will you use?
√ How will you know when you have answered your question? How will you measure the results?

Sample questions

• How can I promote a lifelong learning approach in my learners?
• How can I measure learning without formal tests?
• In what ways can I involve parents to help me improve my students' English language skills?
• How can knowing about learning styles help me to plan my lessons to help all of my students? become better learners
• What can I do to help my students take more responsibility for their learning?