Call for Contributions
Abstract Submission Deadline: August 30, 2019
Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research
Teacher Education College ‘Assia Djebbar’, Constantine
The English Department in collaboration with the French Department and ‘LANADIF’
In partnership with
the United States Embassy in Algeria
(English Language Fellow and English Language Programs)
&
University of Gavle, Sweden
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organize
the First International Conference on Action Research in Foreign Language Classes
November 26-27, 2019
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The conference tackles the issues of methodology, content and outcomes of action research in foreign language classes. It sheds light on the challenges and benefits of taking action to solve problems that foreign language practitioners may face throughout their career as teachers and/or researchers. Teachers need to develop the ability to observe and analyse classroom practices, and implement and evaluate courses, textbooks and teaching materials. In this perspective, action research should be considered as “a core element of teachers’ work, not as an optional extra” because “it has benefits not only to the teachers for thinking about how to improve their own practice but also for their students” (Norton, 2009: 22). Consequently, an adequate action research methodology is required to enhance logical reasoning before taking pedagogical action (Whitehead &Mc Niff, 2006). Furthermore, teachers usually adopt a reflective attitude towards their abilities to design, plan lessons and act as teachers by assuming roles, tasks, and interactions with their learners. This attitude prepares novice teachers to become future researchers.
Action research “like all forms of research, requires time, commitment and resources in order to carry it out successfully” (Norton, 2009: 01). Involving novice teachers and teacher-researchers in materials analysis, evaluation and design increases their exposure to the profession and enhances their self-confidence and their self-efficacy in designing their own teaching materials (Graves, 1996, 2000). This commitment engages teachers in the risk-taking, problem-solution attitude to the challenges they face in the context of teaching and collaborating with colleagues. Language learning principles, pedagogical organisation, and classroom atmosphere become academic arguments of sharing the experience with colleagues and convincing other partners of providing financial resources and material support for lifelong learning action. In the long run of action research activities, teachers’ professional and academic career would increase and bring sustainable development to the teaching learning community.
References
Graves, K (ed). (1996). Teachers as Course Developers. Cambridge University Press.Series Editor J.C. Richards
Graves, K. (2000). Designing Language Courses. A Guide for Teachers. Heinle and Heinle Publishers. Newbury House Teacher development.
Norton. L,S. (2009). Action Research in Teaching and Learning. A practical guide to conducting pedagogical research in universities. Routledge
Wallace, M.J. (1998). Action Research for Language Teachers. Cambridge University Press
Whitehead, H & McNiff, J. (2006). Action Research Living Theory. Sage Publications
Objectives of the Conference
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Allow opportunity for collaboration between researchers and practitioners;
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Mutualise and capitalize research findings;
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Encourage ENS students to present posters and discuss their research topics/issues in an academic context; and
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Promote career development and sustainable development.
Main Tracks of the Conference
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Theory and Practice of Action Research
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Data Collection and Analysis
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Integrating Research into Classroom Practices
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Problem Solving and Pedagogical Innovation
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Promotion of Career and Sustainable Development
Target Audience
The conference is research-oriented and includes keynote speakers, individual presentations, panel presentations/workshops, and poster presentations. It targets an audience of ENS Constantine faculty members and graduating students, action researchers, and foreign language instructors from national and international higher education institutions.
Languages of the Conference: English and French
Chairman of the Conference:
Pr. BOUSHABA Mahmoud
Director of ENS-Assia Djebbar -Constantine
Scientific Board
HAMADA Hacene - ENS Constantine (President of the committee)
WATTERS Erin – English Language Fellow/US Embassy (co-president of the committee)
ABDERRAHIM Farida – University of Constantine 1
BEGHOUL Youcef - University of Constantine 1
BELOUAHEM Riad - University of Constantine 1
HACINI Fatiha - University of Constantine 1
HAMLAOUI Naima – University of Annaba
BOUGHERARA Khemissi - University of Oum El Bouaghi
MABARKI Zahia - University of Sétif 2
MERROUCHE Sarah - University of Oum El Bouaghi
GUENDOUZI Amar – University of Tizi Ouzou
KARAMOSTEFA Leila - University of Chlef
MESSEKHER Hayet - ENS Bouzereah Alger
BENAMMAR Naima- ENS Oran
AZOUI Samih - ENS Constantine
IDJET Ahlem - ENS Constantine
MERAD Soumeya - ENS Constantine
HOUADJELI Chawki - University of Biskra
NEMOUCHI Abdelhak - University of Oum El Bouaghi
KAOULI Nadir - University of Batna
CHELLI Saliha - University of Biskra
CHELLI Madjda - University of Constantine 1
GHAOUAR Nesrine - University of Annaba
TOUATI Wessem - University of Algiers 2
AMEZIANE Hamid - University of Tizi Ouzou
IDRI Nadia - University of Bejaia
MEGHARBI Nasreddine - University of Constantine 1
Organising Committee
President: DJOUIMA Leila (Responsible person in charge of Teacher Development Program)
WATTERS Erin (English Language Fellow)
MOUSSER Henia (Vice Director in charge of Post Graduate Studies)
BENYAHIA Amel (Head of the English Department)
HEDJEL Soumia (Head of the French Department)
MEZHOUD Soraya (Responsible person in charge of Foreign Relations and Cooperation)
HADDAD Amina (Responsible person in charge of Quality Assurance)
BOUDERSA Sihem (General Secretary)
BELGUECHI Rym (E-learning unit)
BOULMERKA Soulef (Department of English)
GHOUALMI Soumeya (Department of English)
TAOUTAOU Dihia (Department of English)
GRIDI Mehdi (Department of English)
BOUCHAIR Bouba (Department of French)
BOUCHEMAL Falek (Department of French)
BOUANNOUR Nawel (Department of French)
CHAGOU Osmane (Department of French)
Contact Information:
Deadline of Abstract submission: 30 August 2019
Notice of Acceptance: 30 September 2019
Full paper submission: After conference
Registration/Participation Fees: 5000 DZD Registration and Lodging Fees: 20.000 DZD