Insight into Novice Research: A Critical Review of ELT Master’s Theses

Abstract

This study explores emerging trends of student theses in English language teaching master degree programs in Colombia. In this study, we categorized 156 abstracts into their research context, research areas, and research method, adding to the tapestry of ELT novice research worldwide. The results demonstrate that the majority of the theses reviewed were practical in scope and smaller-scaled projects, focusing on language skills and subskills, teacher-related aspects such as methodology, beliefs, etc., and curriculum. A small percentage delved into more complex or broader aspects of education inside the language classroom. They also were mainly qualitative, case studies or action research using a variety of data collection techniques that corresponded with the main research design. As a conclusion, an increased balance in research topics and methods is suggested to strengthen novice research and encourage more participation in the worldwide conversation on English language teaching and learning.

Keywords

• thesis reviews
• english language teaching and learning
• language teaching research
• research areas
• research method