Second Language Writing Teachers’ Perceptions of Themselves as Language Learners

Yıl 2018, Cilt: 35 Sayı: 1, 5 - 18, 12.11.2018

Nur Yiğitoğlu Diane D. Belcher

Öz

While mother-tongue speakers of English might appear to some to be advantaged as teachers of Englishlanguage writing, it may also be the case that they are inherently disadvantaged if not experienced language learners themselves. Given limited prior research on second language (L2) writing teachers' awareness of themselves as language learners, the purpose of this study is to explore how L2 writing teachers’ beliefs about and practice of teaching L2 writing are influenced by their own language experiences. Two mother tongue English language speaking (EL) teachers of L2 writing took part in this qualitative case study. During a 15- week semester, their writing classes were periodically observed and audio-recorded. Additionally, each teacher was interviewed using stimulated recall. Findings revealed not only that the teachers’ previous language learning experience was an important contributor to their empathy with students as language learners but that the teachers’ memories of their own language teachers influenced their beliefs about the learning and teaching of L2 writing. Further research on the impact of language and literacy educators’ reflections on their own language learning is encouraged.

Anahtar Kelimeler

Second language writing, teachers as language learners

Kaynakça

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