Quantitative Research Literacy Among Iranian EFL Teachers at Different Levels of Education: Revelations for Policy Makers and Program Developers

Subject Areas : All areas of language and translation

Alireza Zaker ¹ ( Department of Teaching English and Translation, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran )

Received: 2023-10-01 Accepted : 2023-11-04 Published : 2024-01-01

Keywords: reflectivity, quantitative research, teacher training, research literacy,

Abstract :

ELT practitioners are expected to adopt the role of reflective practitioners, engaging in a thorough and analytical examination of their teaching practice. This is achieved through the undertaking of research, with systematic research being recognized as a crucial endeavor in implementing reflectivity within the ELT field. Concurrently with the proliferation of several novel problems and methodologies in the realm of research within ELT contexts, the act of conducting research in ELT has evolved into a multifaceted endeavor. The data for this study were gathered from 717 EFL instructors, consisting of 581 females (81%) and 136 males (19%). The participants included individuals with B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. degrees, with an average age of 25. The Quantitative Research Literacy (QRL) questionnaire, developed by Zaker and Nosratinia (2021), was utilized as the primary instrument for data collection. The utilization of the non-parametric Welch's ANOVA test and the Games-Howell post-hoc technique revealed a statistically significant disparity in the mean score on the QRL measure across participants with Ph.D., M.A., and B.A. degrees. Specifically, Ph.D. level participants exhibited a notably higher average score compared to both M.A. level and B.A. level players. Additionally, upon conducting a Welch's ANOVA and subsequently applying the Games-Howell post-hoc procedure, it was observed that the participants exhibited the highest level of proficiency in developing research topic knowledge. Conversely, the participants displayed the lowest level of knowledge in the area of data analysis. This study finishes by engaging in a comprehensive discussion of the findings and providing some recommendations.

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