Researching teacher associations
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Richard Smith [1] ; Kuchah Kuchah [2]
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[1] University of Warwick
University of Warwick
Reino Unido
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[2] University of Bath
University of Bath
Reino Unido
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- Localización: ELT journal: An international journal for teachers of English to speakers of other languages, ISSN 0951-0893, Vol. 70, Nº 2, 2016 (Ejemplar dedicado a: Focus on teacher associations), págs. 212-221
- Idioma: inglés
- Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
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Resumen
In this article, we argue not only for more research into English language teacher associations (TAs) but also for research to be carried out by and within TAs. That is, we advocate their becoming ‘Researching TAs’ themselves. This suggestion derives from our recent collaborative work with/within the Cameroon English Language and Literature Teachers’ Association (CAMELTA). In this context, we have initiated and helped to facilitate the development of what we term—by analogy with ‘teacher-research’—‘TA-research’: systematic inquiry which is based on members’ priorities and officially endorsed by a TA, and which engages members as active participants in what they see as a collective project. This initiative offers promising signs that a TA can become a ‘researching association’ in the service of its members’ needs. In the CAMELTA case, valuable local knowledge is being uncovered and shared, helping members become less dependent on outsider expertise: in a word, more empowered.
