1. English language student-researchers will form groups to develop proposals addressing problematic classroom situations and conduct research projects on their proposed topics. 2. Over the course of several months, the students will establish their research questions, review relevant literature, design data collection techniques, analyze their findings, and present their research in an APA style paper and presentation. 3. The final projects will be graded based on content, effectiveness, creativity, teamwork, communication skills, and time management demonstrated during the student presentations.

1. English Language Research Projects <br />Student-researchers (groups of 4) will elaborate a creative proposal to overcome a problematic situation in the EFL classroom: <br />Schedule of activities:<br />March 27Organization of groups. Finding your group’s inquiry. April 10Class canceled. April 17Establish the research question. How to organize the review of literature.April 24 Data collection techniques and data analysis.May 1Data collection techniques and data analysis.May 8How to present your project. May 15First review of your research paper. PresentationsMay 22PresentationsMay 29 Hand in final project and group oral defense (FINAL EXAM)<br />The final project involves presenting an APA research paper with your findings. You can find a helpful style guide at http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/ , and http://dianahacker.com/pdfs/Hacker-Mira-APA-RD4.pdf presents a clear APA example paper. The requirements are: <br />Title page<br />Table of contents<br />Abstract: Describe what the paper is going to be about in one paragraph. <br /> Introduction<br />Purpose of your study: why did you decide to work on this specific topic? Mention the inquiry.<br />Research question: question/puzzle that will guide your study. <br />Definition of terms: glossary. <br />Review of literature: include what other authors have said about your topic. You should mention what the application is, and how it has been used for educational purposes in the EFL classroom. <br />Method: The heart of your study. <br />participants/group profile: who are the students you worked with?<br />procedure: what activities did you create? What are the students/partners supposed to do? What data collection techniques are you going to use? <br />Discussion/Conclusion: Your point of view on the activities you developed. A discussion of future work/research that can be developed. Explain the limitations of your work.<br />Bibliography: the style wizard can help you organize your references. http://www.stylewizard.com/apa5/index.html <br />*Each presentation will be graded on a combination of content, effectiveness, creativity, teamwork, overall communication, and time management. <br />1. Quality of content of the presentationTopic was presented in a complete, clear and concise manner. 20 points2. EffectivenessPresentation captured partners’ interest and was thoroughly understood by all. Materials were available for all students, as well as adequate for their level. 20 points3. Creativity Creativity and effort are evident. Media such as PPP, video, audio, the Internet, etc, were included in the presentation. Activities are thoughtful, clever and imaginative. Quality is obvious.20 points4. Overall communicationStudents demonstrate a strong command of the language, and their message is very effectively communicated. There are almost no significant errors.Do not simply stand up and read your presentation.30 points5. TeamworkPresenters’ roles are balanced, and teamwork is evident. 5 points6. Time managementPresentation started and finished on time.5 points<br />SCALESDemonstrates excellenceDemonstrates good command with only limited difficultiesDemonstrates adequate command with some weaknessesFalls below expectationsUnacceptableStudent arrived late or did not show up30 points3024-2918-21126020 points2016-1912-158405 points543210<br />TOTAL: 1 _____ + 2 _____ + 3 _____ + 4 _____ + 5 _____ = _________ /2 = ________<br />A word of advice: book the media (PPP, video beam, etc.) you need at least 2 weeks in advance. <br />SOME WEB PAGES <br />http://www.stylewizard.com/apa5/index.html <br />http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/ <br /> http://dianahacker.com/pdfs/Hacker-Mira-APA-RD4.pdf <br />