Hi Andrea,

I certainly think it helps if you have insights from research. For a start it gives you more credibility with MSc or PhD level students if you can talk knowledgeably about the research process because you have done some research.

I also think that we can research our own context and expand our understanding of how to teach EAP through, for example, action research in our classrooms.

Have you done some research yourself?

Olwyn

Yes, I have. And yes, I believe it is totally different to see things from the perspective of having done research. But we should also be able to help newcomers into academic life, right?

best

Andrea

Hi Olwyn, Andrea

Great question, thanks. And in answer to your question, I do think so. I'm in favour of EAP teachers being researchers. I really support what Olwyn said since I work with post grads too. At this level, students really do want to hear more about your experience as a researcher and appreciate your depth of knowledge and any insights gained.

The role of the teacher then has changed slightly from 'mechanical' 'duck feeder' (at times :)) to inspirer, encourager and supporter in ways other than language facilitator. These people are actually moving beyond the undergrad experience to taking more control of their academic and professional lives. They want to do that in similar ways to myself, if not exactly the same, but as someone who has been where they want to go.

For example, I always conduct 'research' before every course I run. I do this to better understand the students in my care. Their level of proficiency; their preferred learning style; their learning strategies. I do not trust the powers that be to make accurate and fair judgements about students' compentencies. Many teachers would see this as extra work they needed do or have time to indulge in. But I think it is necessary. It helps me understand students in many ways, and make decisions about how and where to begin because I have insight into their level of understanding. It helps me develop student 'autonomy', for instance.

robert

Hi all,

I think all teachers are researchers, everyday in order to give information to learners  we usually try to analyze it  from different angles and think what kind of strategy to use  in order to present, consolidate , evaluate .

MSc and PhD levels need research from a teacher , I think it should be compulsary element in order to teach in such groups.

Hi, I know that this post is about research in general rather than research degrees but I was just wondering if any of you think that doing a PhD or research degree can sometimes be a disadvantage when applying for EAP posts and lectureships. I have been doing the taught component of a PhD for a year now and find that, in terms of applying for jobs, it can be perceived as something of a luxury rather than a requirement. Has anyone else experienced a similar situation?