Between Paradigms:

A research proposal for a case study

in a language school in Greece
Achilleas Kostoulas
( [email protected] )

April 2010
 Achilleas Kostoulas – April 2010 Review Panel

Contents
1. What prompted this study .................................................................................................. 2
2. What this study seeks to do ................................................................................................ 4
3. What this study will focus on .............................................................................................. 4
4. How this study will be conducted ....................................................................................... 5
4.1. Data generation................................................................................................................. 6
4.2. Data analysis...................................................................................................................... 7
5. Why the findings will be trustworthy.................................................................................. 7
6. What ethical considerations underpin this study ............................................................... 8
7. What makes this study worthwhile .................................................................................... 9
Works cited ............................................................................................................................... 10
Appendix A: Defining a case ..................................................................................................... 13
Appendix B: Obtaining access................................................................................................... 15
Appendix C: Planning fieldwork................................................................................................ 16
Appendix D: Generating data ................................................................................................... 17
Appendix E: Obtaining consent ................................................................................................ 20

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 Achilleas Kostoulas – April 2010 Review Panel

Between Paradigms: a research proposal

for a case study in a language school in
Greece

The study proposed herein aims to develop an ecological understanding of English Language
Teaching (ELT) in the setting of a language school in Greece, with a view to generating a
conceptual framework that will integrate linguistic and pedagogical considerations with
contextual influences. In doing so, this study will add to ELT theory a perspective from the
underrepresented periphery of the English-speaking world, while advancing our understanding
of the unique role of ELT in a context of global interconnectedness.

1. What prompted this study

At present, ELT theory appears to be undergoing a paradigm shift which is sustained by a
rethinking of its linguistic and pedagogical underpinnings, as well as by a re-appraisal of the
sociolinguistic impact of the English language in an increasingly globalised setting.

In the field of linguistics, academic consensus seems to be gradually moving away from
established beliefs about language which can be summarised under the term ‘standard
language ideology’. Briefly stated, this ideology encapsulates the idea that the needs of second
language learners are best served by a ‘single monochrome standard’ of language, defined by
educated native-speaker use (Quirk, 1985). In more recent years, the emergence and
institutionalisation of local varieties of English (World Englishes) appear to have rendered some
of the assumptions of the standard language ideology less tenable (e.g. Canagarajah, 2006, p.
23; Matsuda, 2003). Critics of this position have argued that the standard language ideology
constitutes ‘deficit linguistics’ (Kachru, 1991, p. 26), whereas others have pointed out that the
language variety shared by non-native speakers (English as a Lingua Franca, ELF) constitutes a
more egalitarian linguistic model (Jenkins, 2006). However, the desirability of raising ELF to
canonical status, and indeed its very existence, are the subject of considerable controversy
(Davies, 1999; Jenkins, 2009; Kuo, 2006; Sifakis, 2008).

The scepticism towards the normative role of native-speaker varieties is paralleled by a similar
restructuring in ELT pedagogy. To a great extent, ELT pedagogical orthodoxy tends to be
informed by the notion of a collaborative learning group ideal, which ‘sets the conditions for a
process-oriented, task-based, inductive, communicative […] methodology’ (Holliday, 1994, p.
54). The learning group ideal appears to form the ideological underpinning of dominant
approaches to second language pedagogy such as Communicative Language Teaching (J. C.
Richards & Rodgers, 2001, p. 166). These beliefs about learning were developed primarily in the
educational systems of Anglophone countries as a principled response to the perceived
ineffectiveness of traditional and behaviourist pedagogy. However, in recent years scepticism
has been mounting regarding its appropriateness outside the settings where it was originally
developed (e.g. Canagarajah, 1999; Prabhu, 1987; Yu, 2001) leading some to conclude that it
constitutes ‘a classic case of pedagogy that is out of sync with local […] exigencies’

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 Achilleas Kostoulas – April 2010 Review Panel

(Kumaravadivelu, 2006b, p. 64). The growing awareness that language teaching pedagogy
should be more sensitive to local contextual influences (Bax, 1997, 2003; Holliday, 1994) has
meant that rigid adherence to methods is increasingly giving way to more flexible practices (J.
C. Richards & Rodgers, 2001, p. 250), with ELT slowly moving towards a ‘post-method condition’
(Kumaravadivelu, 1994).

A similar ‘shift to localisation’ (Widdowson, 2004, p. 369) appears to be taking place in terms of
the social context in which ELT is embedded. This increased sensitivity to local needs may stem
from awareness of the ‘considerable socio-cultural loss’ associated with the global spread of
English (Widdowson, 2004, p. 361). It has been argued that the spread of English perpetuates
unequal distributions of power between nations (Phillipson, 1992), and that ‘a dangerous
liaison’ exists between globalisation, empire and ELT (Kumaravadivelu, 2006a). The realisation
that it is ‘no longer credible’ to deny the political implications of ELT pedagogy (Edge, 2006, p.
xiv), has led to a growing demand in the literature for a more empowering language policy
(Canagarajah, 1999), which will complement, rather than compete with, the local language
ecology and local interests (Phillipson, 2009).

It would appear, from the above, that ELT is in a transition between two different informing
paradigms (Figure 1). The dominant paradigm derives its linguistic and pedagogical legitimacy
from the English-speaking West, and may result in linguistic hegemony. On the other hand, the
emerging paradigm espouses linguistic and pedagogical norms which are bounded by local
circumstance, and positions itself critically towards the political implications of ELT policy and
practice. Traces of the interaction between these two paradigms were observed in earlier
stages of my PhD studies. Focussing on a language school in Greece, a series of interviews and a
questionnaire survey were conducted (Kostoulas, 2009d), and grounded theory was used to
analyse the data (Kostoulas, 2009b). These small projects were complemented by a content
analysis of the learning materials used at the language school (Kostoulas, 2009a, 2009c). The
limited scope of these studies and the limitations of the methods that were used precluded the
development of a theory of broader relevance, but by drawing loosely on this empirical work,
and by relating the findings to the literature, one might hypothesise the existence of tension at
the points where the two paradigms interface, namely the questions of which language
variety (what) to teach, through which methods (how) and to what end (why).

Standard language
What? English as a Lingua
ideology Franca
Dominant paradigm

Emerging paradigm

Learning group ideal, How? Post-method

communicative condition

Perpetuation of Why? Empowering

hegemonic control bilingualism

TENSION
FIGURE 1: COMPETING ELT PARADIGMS (ADAPTED FROM KOSTOULAS, 2009B, P. 29)

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 Achilleas Kostoulas – April 2010 Review Panel

2. What this study seeks to do

The research project proposed herein is an instrumental case study (Stake, 1994, p. 445)
focussing on a typical language school in Greece (host institute). An immediate goal of this
study is to understand how the dominant and emerging paradigms interact, whereas its
ultimate purpose is to generate a conceptual framework that will enable policy makers and
practitioners to develop a personal stance with reference to such unresolved tensions. Since
the generalisation of findings generated by case study research is challenging (Silverman, 2005,
p. 126), this study will focus on theory building without attempting to project specific findings
to other settings (Punch, 2005, pp. 146-147; Silverman, 2005, p. 128).

Such an endeavour presents multiple challenges. Firstly, the phenomenon under study might
not lend itself to straightforward explanations, because ELT practice is shaped by the co-activity
of heterogeneous agents, such as teachers, learners, stakeholders, materials developers and
examination boards (Kostoulas, 2009b, p. 18). In addition, the conceptual framework need to
acknowledge the interdependence between the research setting and the immediate and global
contexts in which it is embedded (Clarke, 2007, pp. 25-26; Corbin & Strauss, 2008, p. 94; Stern,
1983, p. 274). It has been argued that research methods that aim to de-contextualise,
segregate and atemporalise variables may not be suitable for understanding such phenomena
(Larsen-Freeman & Cameron, 2008, pp. 252-253). By contrast, case studies facilitate the
detailed study of social phenomena in their natural setting without sacrificing sensitivity to
their complexity and contextual interdependence (Punch, 2005, p. 144).

In summary, the main questions that this study aims to address are:

1. How do the dominant and emerging paradigms interact in the setting of the host institute:
a. in terms of the model language variety (what)?
b. in terms of the preferred methodology (how)?
c. in terms of the ends of ELT instruction (why)?
d. in terms of other instances of tension?
2. What other influences impact on ELT in the setting of the host institute?
3. How can ELT be conceptualised in a way that recognises the complex co-activity of agents
within the host institute and the influences of its immediate and global context?

3. What this study will focus on

A methodologically rigorous inquiry was conducted to identify possible research venues and
develop criteria for case selection (Appendix A). In total, 53 schools and language institutes
were appraised on the basis of their teaching provision, size, location, repute and willingness to
participate. The school that was ultimately selected is one with which I enjoy close professional
and personal ties, since I worked there for a number of years, and as it is owned by a close
family member. Despite these connections and the fact that earlier stages of my research were
conducted there, the selection of this particular language school was not prompted by
opportunistic considerations of convenience. It is rather the product of the school’s conformity
to the criteria which emerged from the inquiry, coupled with an unexpectedly strong reluctance
among other suitable schools to host the research.

The host institute is located in the town of Ioannina, where I am based, and operates three
branches in different locations in the town. The school primarily caters for the needs of young
learners and adolescents who attend supplementary evening courses in English as a Second
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 Achilleas Kostoulas – April 2010 Review Panel

Language. In addition to the ‘General English’ programme, they offer courses aiming at
language certification as well as a small number of ‘specialist’ programmes such as Business
English or English for Academic Purposes. The school staff consists of a cadre of five senior
teachers, supplemented by a fluctuating number of teachers with varying qualifications, who
are generally employed on part-time annual contracts. In recent years, this structure has been
challenged by a policy of hiring and retaining highly qualified teachers, whose roles and
seniority have yet to be defined with sufficient clarity.

Following Miles and Huberman (1994, p. 27), the case on which this study will focus is delimited
in terms of four dimensions: its conceptual nature, its social size, its physical location and its
temporal extent. The conceptual definition of the case includes the staff and learners of the
host institute, teaching activities taking place there, as well as print materials in use (e.g.
syllabus documents, courseware). While a number of individuals may opt out of the research, in
principle the entire host institute will come under study in order to document a variety of views
from participants with diverse backgrounds and aspirations. With regard to location, the study
will focus on one of the branches of the host institute, and with regard to time, fieldwork will
span an academic year (September 2010 - June 2011), thus allowing for the contextual
dynamics of the setting to become apparent.

4. How this study will be conducted

Data regarding the teachers’ and learners’ beliefs and attitudes, the actuality of teaching and
the learning materials will be generated and analysed using integrated qualitative and
quantitative methods. In addition to capitalising on the strengths of different methods (Punch,
2005, p. 240), this approach is expected to increase confidence in the findings (Alexander,
Thomas, Cronin, Fielding & Moran-Ellis, 2008, p. 127). The use of complementary methods is
consistent with case study methodology (Punch, 2005, p. 145; Yin, 2003, p. 14) and the
requirements of this research, on account of their potential to highlight different aspects of
multifaceted social phenomena (Greene, Caracelli & Graham, 1989).

The quantitative and qualitative strands of the research will be implemented in a parallel and
interlocking way, so that each method ‘provides discovery and validation for the other’ (Deren
et al., 2003, p. 10, cited in Alexander et al. 2008, p. 132). Greater prominence will be given to
qualitative methods derived from ethnography, which lend themselves well to the study of
complex social phenomena (Larsen-Freeman & Cameron, 2008, pp. 242-243) and ELT settings in
particular (Canagarajah, 1999, p. 5; Holliday, 1994, pp. 181-183), and which have been used
effectively in similar research projects (K. Richards, 1996).

Fieldwork for this study will commence in September 2010 and terminate in June 2011, thus
spanning 36 weeks (excluding two 15-day holidays at Christmas and Easter). This period will be
divided into four 9-week phases, with each phase gravitating towards different research
questions. While some overlap is expected, the first phase will primarily address Research
Questions 1a-c, the second and third phases will follow up on these and also focus on emergent
themes relating to Research Questions 1d and 2 respectively, and the final phase will be used to
validate findings. Within each stage, four weeks will be used for the generation of qualitative
data, followed by two weeks for initial analysis, while the remaining three weeks will be used
for the quantitative study of documentary evidence. After fieldwork has been completed, an
additional 10 months are envisaged for the synthesis of findings into a conceptual framework,

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 Achilleas Kostoulas – April 2010 Review Panel

thus answering Research Question 3. Finally, the writing up of the dissertation is expected to
last eight more months, leading to a submission towards the end of 2012. For a graphic
depiction of this information, please refer to Appendix C.

4.1. Data generation

The broad strokes of the data generation strategy have been negotiated with the gatekeeper of
the host institution, thus ensuring a context-appropriate interpretation of ethical requirements
(see Section 6). Four main data generation strands are envisaged, namely interviews with staff,
questionnaire surveys, classroom observation and content analysis of documentary evidence.
The content of the data generation instruments will be specified in response to tentative
research findings as the study progresses so as to retain sensitivity to emerging themes (Miles
& Huberman, 1994, p. 35).

Qualitative data pertaining to views of staff will be elicited using semi-structured interviews, on
account of their flexibility and suitability for generating data about behaviour, beliefs and
attitudes (Robson, 2002, p. 272). Depending on pragmatic limitations, between 15 and 20
interviews will be conducted, recorded and transcribed. It is expected that each participant will
take part in three or four interviews, or possibly fewer if there are more participants.

The learners’ perspective will be elicited using four open-ended questionnaires. Each
questionnaire, which will build on previously generated data, will be administered to a different
group of 30-40 learners, many of whom will be minors. Although self-completed questionnaire
surveys suffer from a number of limitations, such as partial completion, unpredictable
interpretation of questions, relative lack of flexibility (Robson, 2002, p. 233) and -in the case of
adolescent participants- a large number of jocular responses (Fan et al., 2006), their
anonymous nature is expected to encourage candid responses from participants who might
otherwise be reluctant to be overly critical of themselves and their teachers (Robson, 2002, p.
234).

Additional qualitative data will be generated through non participatory observation of selected
lessons. Subject to the consent of the class teachers, between 15 and 20 classes will be
observed. Direct observation is expected to generate insights into the actuality of teaching,
which may not be evident from the interview and questionnaire responses (Robson, 2002, p.
310). A non-participatory mode of observation is expected to minimise disruption to the
delivery of tuition, although it is understood that reactivity cannot be completely eliminated on
account of my existing relationships to many participants involved. Initially, the objective of
observation will be the construction of a narrative account based on field notes, although more
structured observation protocols may be used for the validation of findings in the final phase of
the research.

These data will be complemented by information about language and pedagogy from the
learning materials in use at the host institute. This information will be quantified using
checklists informed by the qualitative data. Due to the prohibitive size the materials corpus,
systematic sampling will be used to select a representative sample of materials. As the quality
of findings in this strand of the research is conditional on high coding reliability (Krippendorff,
2004, p. 211), a number of reliability safeguards have already been developed in the form of
self-training procedures and reliability checks (Kostoulas, 2009a, 2009c).

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 Achilleas Kostoulas – April 2010 Review Panel

Extracts of data generation instruments which were used in the pilot stage of this research are
reproduced in Appendix D by way of example.

4.2. Data analysis

The qualitative data will be analysed using a process of analytical induction (Punch, 2005, p.
197), which is loosely derived from grounded theory (Corbin & Strauss, 2008). Analysis will
initially involve the disaggregation of data and the identification of a broad range of beliefs,
attitudes and teaching practices, which will then be related to the competing paradigms.
Ultimately, selected data will be synthesised into a coherent conceptual description. This
inductive process will draw on lessons learnt from the pilot inquiry: my initial data analysis,
which adhered to grounded theory methodology rather rigidly, resulted in context-specific
findings, which proved difficult to generalise without recourse to the literature (Kostoulas,
2009b). By using hermeneutically helpful insights from the literature as conceptual
touchstones, this study should compensate for the tendency of grounded theory to privilege
‘narrow and case-specific explanations’ (Hodkinson, 2008, p. 93) which might preclude
theoretical generalisation.

The emergent findings from the qualitative strands of the study will be confirmed and
complemented by a content analysis of the documentary evidence (Krippendorff, 2004;
Neuendorf, 2002). The frequency distributions of various linguistic forms and the prevalence of
particular pedagogical patterns will be calculated, norms will be defined and the statistical
significance of deviations from these norms will be established. In line with the overall inductive
orientation of this study, the categories and units of analysis will draw on insights from the
qualitative data, but will be further elaborated and validated using statistical techniques such as
cluster analysis, as documented in Kostoulas (2009c).

5. Why the findings will be trustworthy

Ensuring the trustworthiness of the findings is challenging in two respects. As this study draws
on two radically different epistemological traditions, it is not entirely compatible with either
rationalistic notions such as validity, reliability and objectivity (Edge & Richards, 1998, p. 335),
or the post-modern alternatives proposed by Lincoln and Guba (1985, pp. 289-331), namely
credibility, transferability, confirmability and dependability. Furthermore, my own relation to
the host institute is such that cannot be reduced to epistemologically naïve invocations of
‘objectivity’.

To address the first challenge an epistemological common ground was sought in Maxwell’s
(2002) validity typology. Maxwell defines validity as a product of several overlapping criteria
ranging from factual accuracy to generalisability and, beyond that, to the soundness of
evaluative claims. The factual accuracy of the account (descriptive validity) will be addressed by
using overlapping data generation methods and extensive respondent validation, which will
also ensure the congruence between the account and the participants’ understanding of the
phenomena (interpretative validity) . The development of research methods that are
epistemologically compatible with the understanding of the studied phenomena, the use of
constant comparisons and the critical juxtaposition of alternative theoretical explanations are
expected to contribute towards the generation of theory which is internally consistent
(theoretical validity). Internal generalisability, defined as the degree to which the observed
aspects of the case are representative of the whole, will be addressed through the use of

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 Achilleas Kostoulas – April 2010 Review Panel

overlapping research methods focussing on different aspects of the case, and systematic
sampling where appropriate. External generalisability (i.e. the degree to which the account is
applicable to other populations) will not be explicitly invoked, in keeping with the guidelines of
case study research (Yin, 2003, p. 10). However, it is expected that the provision of a
descriptively and interpretatively rich account of the case should facilitate the critical transfer
of theoretical insights to other settings. Evaluative validity, the last of Maxwell’s criteria, is not
relevant to this study because no evaluative claims will be made.

The second challenge highlights the need for a reflexive attitude, which consists of three
incremental requirements. At minimum, it involves a heightened awareness and
acknowledgement of my own subjectivity, which stems from my pre-existing relationships with
the research participants and from the situated nature of my presence there during fieldwork.
Added to this, a reflexive attitude involves acknowledging that the thick description that will
emerge from my research is a constitutive rather than a representational act (cf. Pennycook,
2005). Most importantly, it involves understanding that as a researcher I am part of the social
reality which I seek to understand, and that my own actions and reflections are inextricably
bound to it. In more practical terms, I will try to augment the trustworthiness of the findings by
keeping extensive observational, theoretical and methodological notes and a research journal
all of which will be used to inform my analysis.

6. What ethical considerations underpin this study

This study will be informed by context-sensitive application of relevant ethical guidelines
(British Educational Research Association, 2004; Hellenic Data Protection Authority, n.d.; The
University of Manchester, n.d.) pertaining to issues such as participation, the impact of the
research and confidentiality.

Participation in the study will be governed by the principle of voluntary informed consent. To
that end, the aims and procedures of the study will be communicated to the staff of the school
in a meeting prior to commencing fieldwork, and consent will be recorded in writing before
each interview. Similar information will be provided to learners, at a level commensurate to
their level of maturity and language skills, and consent will be elicited orally with the facilitation
of their teachers. Additionally, in the case of underage participants, a letter will be delivered to
their legal guardians explaining the aims and procedures of the research as they relate to the
students, and informing them of their right to opt out of the study at any time, for any or no
reason. Examples of forms used to record consent are reproduced in Appendix E.

In implementing the study, care will be taken to observe the twin principles of non-
malfeasance and beneficence. Unobtrusive fieldwork procedures, such as non-participatory
observation, will be used to avoid disruption to the effective delivery of tuition. Similarly, the
interviews will be conducted and questionnaires will be completed outside normal teaching
hours. Although it is impossible to completely eliminate interference with the normal
operations of the host institute, the host institute management and I are currently exploring
ways to offset any possible undesirable effects. Direct benefit for the host institute will result
from sharing findings which can lead to improvements in syllabus design and teaching
provision, whereas individual teachers may profit from the opportunity to engage in non-
judgemental discourse about their practice (Edge, 1992, 2002).

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 Achilleas Kostoulas – April 2010 Review Panel

In order to protect the privacy of participants, the University policy on data security will be
rigorously enforced. Pseudonyms will be used to identify individual participants, and personally
identifying information will be omitted or altered when disseminating findings. Data will be
stored in the password-protected p-drive provided by the University, and will be accessed
through the encrypted Virtual Private Network. Backup copies of the data will be saved on
removable media (e.g. flash drives), which will be stored in physically secure locations.
Throughout the research, access to the dataset will be limited to myself, except as required for
the purposes of academic supervision.

An ongoing ethical review process is planned in order to ensure the consistent application of
the ethical guidelines, and the appropriate resolution of developing tensions. At the end of
each data generation phase, a reflective memo will be drafted defining my position with
respect to ethical dilemmas such as validity versus confidentiality or reciprocity versus
detached inquiry, and outlining how this position is reflected in my methodological choices.
This memo will be used as the basis for consultation with my academic supervisor regarding the
subsequent phases of the research. While this process is unlikely to completely eliminate
ethical tensions, their documentation coupled with reflection and regular external audit should
increase my awareness of potential pitfalls and facilitate the formulation of appropriate
responses (Miles & Huberman, 1994, pp. 296-297).

7. What makes this study worthwhile

The expected contributions made by this study will be substantive and conceptual. A
substantive contribution will be made in the form of a ‘thick description’ of the host institution,
which may add to the knowledge base of ELT settings (Edge & Richards, 1998, p. 351). In
addition to the intrinsic value of such a description, it could be used to generate insights of
broader applicability regarding the interaction between the two competing paradigms that
inform ELT, and the way the resolution of this interaction is bounded by contextual
circumstance. Such insights can contribute usefully towards syllabus design or professional
development programmes that are sensitive to the culture of the institution (Holliday, 1994).

The empirical generation of a conceptual framework will enhance understanding of the way
ELT practice is shaped by interlocking dynamics, and the way tensions between competing
dynamics are resolved. This conceptual contribution does not aim for the degree of abstraction
associated with formal theory (Corbin & Strauss, 2008, p. 56), but can nevertheless prove useful
as a source for tentative hypotheses about ELT practices in other settings. In addition to guiding
further research, the articulation of a conceptual framework can facilitate ELT professionals to
critically position themselves between competing paradigms (Cumming, 2008, pp. 286-287).

These contributions are aimed at three main audiences. The most immediate audience
comprises the staff of the host institute, to whom findings will be communicated through a
professional report and, possibly, professional development sessions. More broadly, the
substantive and conceptual insights may be of use to ELT practitioners and course designers,
particularly in the ‘outer circle’ (Kachru, 1985) of locales where English is taught as a foreign
language, leading to publications in the professional press and presentations in professional
conferences. The conceptual contribution, which is primarily of scholarly interest, will be
disseminated in the form of a dissertation, as well as academic publications and conferences.

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 Achilleas Kostoulas – April 2010 Review Panel

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Appendix A
Defining the case

Between August 2009 and March 2010, a small scale inquiry was conducted in order to
select an appropriate venue for conducting fieldwork. This inquiry consisted of three parallel
processes:

• Learning about potential sites;

• Refinement of selection criteria;
• Increasingly focussed case definition.

Focussed information collection

Theoretical Short
Considerations list
Potential sites
Criteria refinement

+ Empirical Host
Data selection
Short-listed sites

+ Negotiated Case
agreement definition
Host institute

FIGURE 2: OVERVIEW OF THE CASE SELECTION INQUIRY

As seen in Figure 2, initially general information was sought from the public domain
regarding a large number of potential sites. By evaluating these sites against theoretical
criteria, a short list of suitable sites was generated. Contact was made with these institutes,
primarily by email, requesting their participation in the study and limited demographical
information. The response rate was quite low, and of the institutes that responded only five
indicated that they would be interested in learning more about the research (Figure 4).

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
Total Contacted Responded Agreed

FIGURE 3 GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATIONS CONSIDERED FIGURE 4: CASE ATTRITION

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The information about the potential research venues was tabulated against the theoretical
criteria to facilitate comparison. The research venues were then ranked in order of suitability
(Table 1). This ranking was subsequently reconsidered because (a) financial developments
threatened to compromise my ability to travel to Site A13 as frequently as necessary for data
generation, and (b) I was offered nearly unrestricted access to Site C1. This resulted in Site
C1 being selected as host institute.

Type Size Location History & Summary Rank

repute
Ideal Diverse teaching 4-12 staff Ioannina or >2 years in
criteria provision Approx. 200 Athens operation,
students successful
A13 General English, >12 staff Athens International Theoretically 1
exam preparation, 251-500 presence appealing; but
1
EYL , teacher students (publishing), pragmatically
training, financially challenging
publishing challenged? (location)
B8 EYL & exams 5 ELT staff Arta Family owned Acceptable 3
preparation; Also 50-100 location & size
German students?
B19 General English, <3 staff Preveza Exam oriented; Too narrow 4
Exam preparation, <50 students operating since focus, small
EYL 1988 size
B27 General English, <3 staff Arta Operating since Too narrow 4
Exam preparation, <50 students 2003 focus, small
EYL size
C1 General English, 9 ELT staff Ioannina Est. 1976, Ideally 2
EYL, exam 251-500 reputation of located, easy
preparation, students success, access;
(limited) materials challenged by reflexivity?
development recent Provision not
restructuring especially
diverse
TABLE 1: COMPARISON OF POSSIBLE RESEARCH VENUES

Following negotiations with the gate keeper of the host institute, the case was further
defined as follows:

Dimension Definition
Participants • Teachers (core & part-time)
• Learners enrolled in any programme of study
Activities • Lessons and self-access learning (not including 1-on-1 tutorials)
• Placement, diagnostic and achievement tests (not including proficiency
examinations provided by external examination boards)
Materials • Learning materials (print & electronic)
• Syllabus documents & lesson plans
Location One of three branches
Temporal extent September 2010 – June 2011
TABLE 2: DIMENSIONS OF THE CASE

1
EYL: English for Young Learners
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Appendix B
Obtaining access

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Appendix C
Planning fieldwork

Overall Timetable
Activity 2009-2010 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013
M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D
Lit Review Preliminary Literature review informed by emerging
literature review themes
Field work Prepa Phase I Phase II Phase III Phase IV
ration (RQ 1a-c) (RQ 1d) (RQ 2) (Validation)
Analysis Initial analysis Main data analysis & synthesis of findings
Dissemination Professional report Dissertation write-up

Timetable Template for Phases I-IV

Week 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Qualitative Data Generation    
Preliminary Analysis of Qualitative Data  
Quantitative Data Collection and Analysis   

Timetable Template for Weeks 1-4

Activities Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Total
Interviews Setup & Conduct Transcription Transcription 7 hours
Interview, Notes (2.5 hours) (2.5 hours)
(2 hours)
Observation Observation & 2.5 hours
Notes
(2.5 hours)
Questionnaires Administration Collection Data Entry 4 hours
(0.5 hours) (0.5 hours) (3 hours)
Reflection Journal Keeping Journal Keeping Journal Keeping 1.5 hours
(0.5 hours) (0.5 hours) (0.5 hours)
15 hours2

2
An additional 5 hours per week are set aside for non-fieldwork related activities (e.g. communicating with supervisors, record keeping, skills training etc.)
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Appendix D
Generating data

Extracts of student questionnaires used in the pilot study

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Extract of interview schedule & feedback form

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Learning materials database

Extract of codebook used for content analysis of learning materials

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Appendix E
Obtaining consent

Extracts from information brochures

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Sample consent form

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