Researching Student Participation in the EAP Setting

Abstract

While Chapter 3 examined research into course design decisions related to the target situation, Chapter 4 looks in more depth at present situation analysis, at wrapping the curriculum around the student and the achievement of course outcomes through student assessment and student course evaluation. The central question that this chapter answers is ‘What research approaches can feasibly, effectively and sustainably be adopted to engage in a conversation with the central participants in EAP provision, i.e., the students?’ The students are viewed not as passive recipients of the EAP curriculum but as active partners in curriculum design and co-researchers, and the chapter emphasises that training and guidance need to be made available to students to ensure that they can contribute successfully to EAP research. The aim of Chapter 4 is to map research projects that focus on the learner and to suggest avenues for further inquiry. Student participation encompasses student needs, perceptions, attitudes, engagement and performance, which are central themes in this chapter. The studies reviewed in the chapter are organised around several topics: student needs analysis, related particularly to writing; attitudes towards and engagement with materials and activities in the EAP classroom; student use of feedback; critical thinking and reading; the wider study abroad experience; outcomes of formal tests and examinations; and student perceptions of quality of educational provision.