An investigation of Iraqi ELT teachers' conceptions of research engagement

Abstract EN

Recognizing the importance teachers’ own conceptions play in their professional development, this study attempts to investigate Iraqi English language teachers' conceptions of research at the departments of English in two colleges at the university of Basra: College of Arts, and College of Education.

Depending on a modified version of Borg's (2009) questionnaire and a follow-up discussion, the study focuses on investigating teachers' conceptions of research on ELT, the general attitude to research in the departments of English, the extent to which teachers read research and the reasons for doing so, their conceptions of conducting research, and finally examining whether these conceptions relate to teachers' highest qualifications and years of experience in ELT.

Findings revealed that Iraqi ELT teachers conceived objectivity, large population and information as key elements of good quality research.

The teachers in question reported moderate to high levels of research engagement for professional and academic development.

It is hoped that this study contributes to enrich and maintain the general conceptions of research engagement in ELT in Iraq.