Introduction to Research in Applied Linguistics

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• the main traditions and techniques of research on language use, teaching and learning;
• how to challenge professional practice, and undertake improvement-orientated enquiry
• the scope and goals of applied linguistics as an academic discipline;
• different approaches to knowledge, truth and the nature of research in applied linguistics;

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• take appropriate ethical issues into account in linguistic and educational work.
• identify, select and draw upon a wide range of primary and secondary sources, printed and electronic;
• communicate applied linguistic work in a variety of written formats;
• demonstrate skills of working with others in the investigation of problems, and in the presentation of arguments and evidence;

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• make use of the relationship between academic, professional, public and user conceptions of language to clarify educational policy and practice;
• recognise the significance of alternative epistemological positions in applied linguistics and the social sciences, and their relationship with theory construction, research design, and the selection of analytical techniques;
• formulate researchable problems in applied linguistics and choose among alternative approaches to small scale applied linguistics and language classroom research;
• assess the implications of theoretical and practical developments in applied linguistics for 'real world problems' including the education professions.

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• use research techniques relevant for small scale applied linguistics research;
• Plan and carry out a small scale research investigation in the language classroom.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.