ENG518 Midterm Short Notes 2nd Batch by Mudassar Ahmad

These are notes for those students who are unable to go through video lectures & handouts. These are not prepared for grand quiz but you can comprehend topics of grand quiz or basic concepts.

Lecture: 01

Research - it urges for the discovery of truth (critical thinking), defining and redefining problems, formulating hypotheses, collecting, organizing and evaluating data, making deductions and reaching conclusions.

Characteristics of research

The nature of research is systematic-logicalempirical-reductive-replicable. It gathers new knowledge or data from primary or first-hand sources. Emphasis upon the discovery of general principles Uses certain valid data gathering devices Logical and objective Eliminates personal feelings and preferences Carefully recorded and reported Conclusions and generalizations are arrived at carefully and cautiously

Functions of Research

Refinement and extension of knowledge happens Makes decision-making easier Improves learning and teaching processes Improves various aspects of human life

Lecture: 02

Areas of concern in ELT research

Students Teachers (ES/FL) Parents Admin Stakeholders Understanding of language issues

What is ELT Research About?

Language policy Practical issues Problems related to second or foreign language The preservation of endangered languages Bilingualism Multilingualism Language education Assessment and evaluation Treatment of language Cross-cultural communication

Lecture: 03

Characteristics of Basic research

Theoretical

Contributing to subject knowledge

No immediate value

Used for broader studies

Characteristics of Applied research

Action research

Solving problems

Specifying a problem

Types of research on the basis of:

Research objectives

Fundamental Action

Nature of research

Exploratory Confirmatory

Data collection procedures

Qualitative Quantitative

Application of research

Longitudinal Cross-sectional Conceptual Empirical

Other types of research

Educational research Historical research

Educational research - the issues of influencing educational theories and practices are emphasized.

Consideration in educational researches

Teacher behavior Research having educational implication Educational administration Educational technology Educational significance

Scientific ways to solve problems

Developing the problem Forming the hypothesis Gathering the data Analyzing and interpreting data Conclusion

Characteristics of an Investigator

Reflective thinking Objectivity in thinking Scientific attitude Democratic behavior Sensitive towards job Creative and imaginative Patience Open-minded Knowledge of action research

Lecture: 04

Assortment of a Problem

First step in research is the selection of a problem. A problem is selected through reflective thinking towards a target issue; a careful ordered thinking is required. After selecting a problem the keen understanding and evaluation of the research problem is required.

Reflective and scientific thinking

Definition Explanation Elaboration Collection Conclusion

Scientific thinking involves:

Inductive-deductive reasoning Cause and effect Assumption/hypothesis

Identification of a Problem

Researcher needs to know about the following things:

Exact nature and dimensions of the problem Research field Mastery of the area

Sources of a problem

Personal experience Studying available literature Innovation (technological changes) Secondary sources; publications/reports

Criteria for the Selection of a Problem

Novelty (avoid unnecessary duplication) Importance for the field Interest intellectual curiosity