Exploring Contradictions in an EFL Teacher Professional Learning Community

Guided by activity theory, this study examines the major contradictions in an English as a foreign language (EFL) teacher professional learning community (PLC) established in China through a university–district–school partnership. Multiple sources of data were collected, including interviews, observ...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of teacher education 2019-11, Vol.70 (5), p.498-511
Main Authors: Yan, Yi, Yang, Luxin
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Analysis
College School Cooperation
Communities of Practice
Community
Education
English (Second Language)
English as a second language
English as a second language instruction
English Teachers
Faculty Development
Foreign Countries
Foreign language instruction
Information management
Inservice Teacher Education
Mediation
Partnerships in Education
Professional development
Research and Development
Researchers
Second language learning
Second language teachers
Teachers
Teaching
Teaching methods
Theory Practice Relationship
University research
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Summary:Guided by activity theory, this study examines the major contradictions in an English as a foreign language (EFL) teacher professional learning community (PLC) established in China through a university–district–school partnership. Multiple sources of data were collected, including interviews, observations, and documents. Data analyses revealed four levels of contradictions: the primary contradiction between the university researcher and school teachers, the secondary contradiction between imparting theory and teacher learning, the tertiary contradiction between existing practice and new design, and the quaternary contradiction between practical engagement and academic research. The community members took a series of strategic actions, including questioning and observation, analysis and proposal, examination and implementation, and reflection and resolution. The study may offer insights about nurturing language teacher PLCs and overcoming contradictions in similar joint activities.
ISSN:0022-4871
1552-7816
DOI:10.1177/0022487118801343