Where research meets practice

Flint writes crime novels as well as children's books.

ALTHOUGH we don’t always realise it, those of us involved in English language teaching often unconsciously form divisions between research and practice. It almost seems like the two fields are on separate islands, coming up with theories for their own needs, and forgetting that each is not independent of the other.

Classroom practitioners at times wonder about the point of research that has no relevance to practice in the classroom. On the other hand, those involved in research connected to English language teaching, learning and acquisition may point out the importance of knowing the fundamentals of the field, including the latest theories, in order to be effective teachers of the language. The bridge that links research and practice is often viewed with suspicion, with each side refusing to acknowledge the importance of compromise and cooperation.