Are SLA Research Reports of Value for FL Teachers? On the Need for Researcher-Teacher Collaboration

Abstract

Are SLA Research Reports of Value for FL Teachers? On the Need for Researcher-Teacher Collaboration

The paper discusses the issue of second language acquisition SLA research reports and
the application of their findings in practice. On the basis of interviews with researchers and practitioners as well as the author’s own experience, the reasons for the gap between theory and practice are explained. Some solutions are also offered to bridge the gap, such as teachers becoming researchers or collaboration between SLA researchers and practitioners. Finally, the author attempts to answer the question posed in the title of the paper. Since SLA research reports are not appreciated by many foreign language FL teachers, some solutions are proposed, such as eliminating research jargon, complex statistics and theoretical frameworks and introducing topics of relevance to FL teachers. The author also advocates the publication of simplified abridged versions of research reports in a special journal for FL teachers and wider dissemination of research findings among practitioners at various conferences and workshops.