From Classroom Problems to Researchable Questions: Designing TESOL Studies That Matter
Many TESOL teachers are encouraged to conduct research, yet struggle to move beyond classroom observations toward researchable and publishable studies. This talk addresses a persistent but under-examined problem in practitioner research (i.e., the gap between teaching concerns and theoretically grounded research questions). Drawing on classroom-based TESOL studies, postgraduate supervision, and manuscript reviewing experience, the talk illustrates why many TESOL topics fail to become research–not because of limited data or methods, but due to weak problem conceptualisation. The session proposes a principled pathway for transforming classroom concerns into defensible research questions by tracing the progression from pedagogical experience to phenomenon, construct, and researchable inquiry. It clarifies key distinctions between pedagogical interests and research problems, as well as between teaching questions and research questions. Using concrete TESOL examples, participants will examine common pitfalls in research question formulation and explore how theoretical framing sharpens focus, scope, and contribution. The talk equips TESOL practitioners with a conceptual toolkit for initiating methodologically coherent and theoretically meaningful research with potential for publication beyond the local context.
Join the session via: https://seoultech.zoom.us/j/82201098677
No passcode required!
About the Presenter:
Pariwat Imsa-ard, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of English Language Teaching at Thammasat University, Thailand. After completing his education in both Thailand and the United Kingdom, he has been dedicated to advancing English language teaching through professional development initiatives, workshops, and collaborative projects with educators at various levels. His research interests span multiple areas, including language assessment, ELT methodologies, teacher education, L2 emotions, and reflective practice. He wishes to combine academic rigor with practical impact, seeking to bridge theory and practice in language education. He can be reached at pariwat@tu.ac.th
