2020 Fiscal Year Research-status Report
Language Policy and Practice in non-classroom Language Learning Spaces
| Project/Area Number |
18K13200
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| Research Institution | Otemon Gakuin University |
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Principal Investigator |
ソーントン キャサリン 追手門学院大学, 基盤教育機構, 准教授 (70806116)
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| Project Period (FY) |
2018-04-01 – 2022-03-31
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| Keywords | language policy / multilingualism / learning spaces / language education / self access |
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| Outline of Annual Research Achievements |
In AY2020, I was able to write a paper based on the student interviews I carried out in AY2019 at two of my case study institutions, which I presented at an international conference the previous year (see AY2019 report). This was published in Japan Association for Self-Access Learning Journal as Student Attitudes to Language Policy in Language Learning Spaces. When investigating how students negotiate language choice in non-classroom language learning spaces, my research has led me to understand that language policy plays only a small role in these decisions, which has led me to explore the issue of language choice in more depth.
I have also conducted more research into language policy at the national level, using a document analysis approach, and have started researching how local language policy decisions are influenced by, or can run counter to, national policies.
As I was unable to gather more data as planned due to the pandemic (see below), I focused on a more detailed analysis of the existing data from 3 case study institutions, comparing student and staff attitudes, and will give a paper on these results at at least one conference in AY2021.
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| Current Status of Research Progress |
Current Status of Research Progress
3: Progress in research has been slightly delayed.
Reason
In AY2020, I was hoping to visit one more research site to do observations and collect data through interviews. Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus pandemic, I was unable to complete these activities, as I could not travel safely to the research site. Instead, I focused on data analysis of existing data, including a comparison of different stakeholder data, and a comparison of the different case studies (see above).
For the more complex questions, I realise that I need more student data to be able to gain sufficient insight into this issue, and I hope to do this in the coming year if the dangers from the pandemic recede, or if I can find alternative ways to do so.
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| Strategy for Future Research Activity |
I would like to gather more data from at least one more case study institution, and refine my analysis. I would also like to get more student data from my existing institutions and conduct some more detailed observations of how language is used in practice. However, if the pandemic continues to prevent travel and close contact or observations at academic institutions, I will conclude my analysis with the existing data and write the research up for publication.
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| Causes of Carryover |
I will use the remaining funds to travel to the research site and conduct final data collection, and to access papers and literature necessary for my literature review.
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Research Products
(1 results)
