Over the past few decades, increasing research has examined the cognitions (knowledge and beliefs) of second language (L2) teachers. Such efforts have provided insight into what constitutes teachers' beliefs and knowledge about teaching, how these cognitions have developed and how they are reflected in classroom practice (see Borg, 2006). Although numerous studies have been conducted into the curricular areas of L2 grammar and, to a lesser extent, L2 literacy, far fewer have examined L2 teachers' cognitions concerning L2 pronunciation instruction. The purpose of the present study, therefore, was to explore some of the dynamic relationships that exist between L2 teachers’ cognitions and actual pedagogical practices, how these cognitions have developed over time, and what relationships exist between both students’ and teachers’ perceptions. In the study, the cognitions and practices - as they relate to the teaching of L2 pronunciation - of five experienced teachers in an Intensive English program were investigated. The teachers participated in three types of data collection procedures over one semester - three semi-structured interviews, five classroom observations, and two stimulated recall interviews. Also, their students completed questionnaires. Findings revealed that, in terms of the development of teachers' cognitions, a graduate course dedicated to pronunciation pedagogy had the greatest impact of the teachers’ cognitions. In addition, all teachers experienced some degree of insecurity about teaching pronunciation. This was especially true for teachers who had never taken a course in pronunciation pedagogy. Yet even those teacher with specific training in pronunciation pedagogy lacked confidence in certain areas, especially in how to diagnose and address problems with pronunciation. Furthermore, some of the teachers were hesitant to assess students' pronunciation, fearing that negative feedback might be damaging to the learners' identities. However, through viewing the results of the student questionnaires, the participant-teachers were surprised to learn that students favored receiving explicit feedback in class in front of their peers over other types of feedback. One final major finding was that the teachers predominantly employed controlled techniques when teaching pronunciation and that, of all the techniques used, guided techniques were used less frequently.

Second language (L2) teacher cognition has in recent years attracted the attention of an increasing number of researchers. While much L2 teacher cognition research focuses on the teaching of grammar (e.g. Phipps & Borg, 2009), L2 writing teacher cognition has received considerably less attention. It has, however, been suggested that L2 writing teachers’ perceptions of themselves as writers (Casanave, 2004) and as language learners may play a crucial role in their decision making as teachers of L2 writing. In an attempt to address this gap in the L2 teacher cognition literature, this study investigates English as a second language (ESL) writing teachers' beliefs about themselves as language learners and as writers in their first and/or second language(s). The purpose is to discover how ESL writing teachers’ beliefs about and practice of teaching L2 writing are influenced by their experiences in writing in their first and/ or second languages. Three native (NES) and two non-native English-speaking (NNES) teachers teaching L2 writing took part in the study. During a 15-week semester, their ESL writing classes were periodically observed and audio-recorded. Additionally, each teacher was interviewed two times using stimulated recall regarding both their classroom instructional practices and instruction provided in the margins of student papers. Findings revealed that, language learning in general was an important contributor to both NNES and NES teachers’ cognitions. Even NES teachers who were not advanced in their respective second and/or additional languages still referred to their language learning experiences. The NNES teacher participants also commented that they sometimes had to step out of their own language experience in order to better help their students. Results also indicated that L2 writing teachers without advanced L2 literacy skills were influenced primarily by their L1 writing experiences. L2 writing teachers with advanced L2 literacy skills, however, were greatly influenced by their L2 writing experience. In all of the cases, being an advanced writer, whether in their L1 or L2s, was an important contributor to L2 writing teachers’ cognitions.

Japanese non-native English-speaking EFL (English as a foreign language) teachers in secondary education (JEFL teachers) work in a different educational context from language teachers in Europe. The purpose of this exploratory research is to identify the distinctive ways in which JEFL teachers think, know, believe and do. These concepts are subsumed under the general heading of JEFL teacher cognition, particularly as this applies to teaching and teacher education in Eigo Kyoiku (English education in Japan). The overall purpose of exploring JEFL teachers’ cognitions is reflected in four research guiding questions (RQs): 1) to identify the nature of JEFL teacher cognition; 2) to see any particular influences that might help shape JEFL teacher cognition; 3) to learn to what extent JEFL teachers’ cognitions are consistent with their actual practice of teaching; and 4) to discuss the ways in which the concept of language teacher cognition (LTC) may be understood and situated in the Japanese context. The research consisted of two studies: a) a quantitative Preliminary Study administered to 62 JEFL teachers and 81 modern foreign language (MFL) teachers in Scotland, in order to identify any areas regarding JEFL teacher cognition; and b) an in-depth Main Study based on a qualitative and ethnographic approach, featuring 10 JEFL teachers. This made use of qualitative data analysis and the applied KJ method, and also drew on complexity theory, through reflective and reflexive processes with particular reference to retrodictive qualitative modelling (RQM). The results of the Main Study are presented as 16 concept maps, each of which represents a featured aspect of JEFL teacher cognition (ATC). It represents the signature dynamics of each ATC and points to the variation and tension which JEFL teachers experienced in relation to each ATC. The research suggests that, although LTC have certain universal characteristics, it needs to be explored on the assumption that it is situated socially, culturally, locally and personally.

Despite claims that the use of corpus tools can have a major impact in language classrooms (e.g., Conrad, 2000, 2004; Davies, 2004; O'Keefe, McCarthy, & Carter, 2007; Sinclair, 2004b; Tsui, 2004), many language teachers express apparent apathy or even resistance towards adding corpus tools to their repertoire (Cortes, 2013b). This study examines from a teacher cognition perspective (Borg, 2006) how three EAP (English for Academic Purposes) writing teachers identified their most pressing needs and considered possible ways that corpus tools might address those needs. After having an individualized corpus working session, each teacher put into practice one or more corpus tools to address self-identified needs in their writing classes. The teachers reflected on the process across a series of interviews and in a stimulated recall session, which were analyzed using qualitative research methods. Each teacher discussed the degree to which the lesson met her objectives, and considered how she might use such corpus tools in the future, as one component in the development of her teaching beliefs, knowledge base, and practices. Through thematic analysis of the interviews and the individualized corpus working sessions, themes emerged that tell the story of these three teachers as they moved through this process, relating to the issues of time, student engagement, material analysis, selection and design, issues related to corpus tools, language, institutional factors, and collaboration. A new area of specialization on the pedagogical uses of corpus tools is discussed, based on the results of the three cases. Implications for researchers, material designers, corpus tools specialists, teacher educators, administrators and teachers are considered.

This study investigates teacher cognition and technology use within a context of teaching Arabic to speakers of other languages. Specifically, teacher cognition is examined in relation to early learning experiences, teacher education, classroom practice, and work environment. Following a case study approach, three in-service teachers have been selected to represent different perspectives on using Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in language instruction. Findings suggest that teachers’ cognitions about teaching and learning, and about themselves as Arabic language professionals, shape technology use, determine reactions to perceived challenges, and illuminate differences between practitioners working within the same environment with regard to the integration of ICT into their practice. The research suggests that despite the absence of digital learning opportunities in early schooling and teacher education, these experiences still influence the choice of instructional strategies employed by teachers to support technology use. The study accentuates the role of context as a mediating force, supporting teacher cognition and ICT use, but also creating dissonance between them. Teacher cognition determines the weight that practitioners assign to different contextual factors. While lack of time is identified as the most significant barrier to adoption, peer collaboration is recognized as the most effective enabler for technology integration. Other key factors emerging in this study include institutional philosophy and policy, learning opportunities, and technical support. Conceptual, methodological, and professional contributions are addressed, and potential for further research is identified.

The prevalence of the English language has enhanced the importance of both understanding and being able to communicate in English in different manners, such as orally. As this has become an important skill to master in school, it was of interest to research upper secondary school teachers’ beliefs and experiences concerning what constitutes pedagogically effective oral production assignments in the classroom, how the participating teachers work to reduce students’ anxiousness towards oral production in English, and how they plan and work towards a classroom climate that enhances students’ motivation towards oral production. It also becomes of interest to compare previous research and concepts to see whether misconceptions and mismatches exist and potentially suggest implications for professional development. To understand teachers’ experiences and beliefs, a qualitative semi-structured study was conducted with five English teachers. The results showed a variety of strategies that the teachers found effective, but one similarity for three out of five teachers was strategies where students work in groups. Regarding how the teachers work to reduce anxiety towards oral production, the results showed that four out of five teachers mentioned that small group tasks reduce anxiety. As to how the teachers plan and work towards a motivating classroom climate, four out of five teachers used strategies that took students’ interest, personal engagement, and/or students’ enjoyment into consideration when aiming for a motivating classroom climate. To research teacher cognition is important since teachers’ beliefs might affect what they do in the classroom and therefore affect students learning experience.

教師思維一向被認為與教師的實際教學有重要的關聯。本個案研究探討一位現職語言教師設計的行動學習活動背後之教師思維，以期更深入了解此行動學習活動之設計，並為電腦輔助語言教學師資培育之設計提供新的思維與洞察。 本個案研究為質性研究。研究工具包括受訪教師對於此活動的公開分享、半結構式訪談、文件收集及與學生的非正式談話。在訪談中，個案詳述了她的課室教學及其他經驗，包括過往的學習、專業教師訓練及其在不同場域的經歷。這些資料則進一步透過Borg (2006)和Mishra & Koehler (2006) 提供的架構(分別為教師思維框架及TPACK架構圖)進行討論。此研究首先詳細說明此行動學習活動中的九個關卡及其中教師表現出的各項知識。接著從過往學習經驗、專業教師訓練及不同場域等角度去追溯教師思維的形成。此研究並藉此進一步討論將上述兩個架構融合、調整的可能性以及電腦融入語言教學師資培育課程設計的新思維。 研究結果顯示，以上兩個架構皆未含括與教師本身或教師自主有關之元素，而這些元素在此個案研究中皆扮演教師思維和相應教學活動成形之關鍵角色。此外，研究結果也顯示，Mishra & Koehler (2006)的TPACK中涵蓋的各種元素可能有不同的權重，進而彰顯此框架在應用上有更複雜的潛力。此個案研究期能提供更多思維及啟發給對於科技融入教學，或電腦融入語言教學師資培育課程設計有興趣者。 / Teacher cognition has been regarded to have strong connections with teachers' teaching practices. The case study intends to investigate a practicing language teacher's cognition behind her mobile-learning activity, an outdoor scavenger hunt activity with multiple missions. The main purpose of this study is to explore how the activity was designed and to further provide insights into CALL teacher education. This is a qualitative study and data were collected through the participant's presentation about the activity, two semi-structured interviews, documentation and informal talks with students. In the semi-structured interviews, the participant detailed her classroom practices and other related experiences, including past learning experiences, professional development and her experiences in other contexts. The participant's experiences were then reconstructed and analyzed with Borg (2006) and Mishra & Koehler (2006) as the frameworks. The study first detailed the nine missions included in the participant’s scavenger hunt activity and analyzed the teacher's knowledge shown in the activity. Then, the formation of the teacher's cognitions was traced mainly in three aspects: past schooling, professional coursework and classroom practices under various contexts. Finally, the revised, integrated framework and some insights into CALL teacher education were discussed. The result showed that the frameworks are lacking elements related to teachers themselves and teacher autonomy, both of which serve as a premise in the complex interaction of the elements in teacher cognitions and the resulting classroom practices. Other than that, it was found that the elements in the framework provided by Mishra & Koehler (2006) might carry different weights, which indicated more complexity in the framework. It is expected that those who are interested in technology integration into language teaching or CALL teacher education will find this study insightful and inspiring.

(in English) This diploma thesis focuses on teachers' attitudes and beliefs regarding English grammar teaching at Czech high schools. The thesis is based on the assumption that teachers' decisions and actions in ESL and EFL teaching are motivated by what teachers know, think and believe. It takes the concept of teacher cognition as a starting point. The research part ot the thesis is based on a questionnaire survey among Czech high-school teachers. It aims to observe teachers' beliefs about English grammar teaching and learning and to describe the way Engligh grammar is taught at Czech high schools. The main areas which the research focuses on are grammar teaching approaches, grammar practice, grammatical error correction, the use of L1 in teaching grammar and the use of coursebooks. Moreover, the thesis observes teachers' position towards the concept of method with respect to the recent trend discussed in ELT research - the post-method condition which redefines the relationship of 'method' and a teacher who is understood as a critical and creative strategic thinker.

A la croisée des chemins entre la didactique des langues étrangères et les sciences de l’éducation, cette thèse porte principalement sur la prise de décision située de l’enseignant face à la survenue de l’erreur à l’oral, ainsi que ses enjeux didactiques et psychoaffectifs. Elle vise à démontrer que la correction n’est pas émotionnellement neutre. Corriger ou ne pas corriger, la question s’attachera à la dimension socio-humaine de l’inter-agir maître- élève envisagé sous l’angle de la « face » goffmanienne. Entre désir pédagogique d’enrôler le public à la performance langagière et objectif didactique d’évaluer cette prestation orale, les fonctions d’animateur et d’évaluateur du praticien rivaliseront autour de fluctuations émotionnelles diverses. L’ancrage théorique de l’étude se situant dans les domaines du feedback correctif, de la cognition enseignante, de l’agir professoral et de la théorie des émotions permet d’accorder une place de choix à la particularité de l’action enseignante dans les mécanismes linguistiques de transmission/apprentissage. D’un point de vue méthodologique, une démarche phénoménologique et ethnographique d’enquête-terrain permet le repérage et l’extraction de catégories qui font sens de part et d’autre de la recherche et de la pratique. Une stratégie de verbalisation négociée via un rappel stimulé donne à l’enquêteur l’opportunité de co-construire les sens de l’expérience avec l’acteur convié à commenter ses actions, entre situation et typicalité. Les résultats montrent que deux participants sur cinq confirment la théorie damasienne d’intervention de la variable affective dans le raisonnement, tandis que trois autres rejettent son rôle dans les processus décisionnels. L’étude ouvre une perspective de recherche - en Didactique Des Langues Etrangères - visant à repenser la place des affects dans l’agir et la formation des enseignants, afin de remédier à l’erreur de Descartes à travers d’autres contextes et d’autres populations. / At the cross-roads of foreign language teacher-learner practices and teacher education, the present study seeks to address, from an emic perspective, the role of emotions in contextual decision-making when faced with a learner error. It highlights the human and social dimension of the pedagogical relationship between teachers and learners. The theoretical framework is based upon research into teacher cognition, corrective feedback, teacher practices, and emotions. A careful consideration is given to the importance of teacher actions within classroom interaction and negotiation of meaning. Learner error within the construction of knowledge is highlighted in relation to the notion of face developed by Goffman. A comprehensive-phenomenological approach mainly using transcribed classroom video footage followed by a simulated recall technique allows the researcher to negotiate with 3 practitioners the meaning lying behind their in situ actions. Another dataset - sent to the 3 teachers mentioned above and two secondary ones - is comprised of a questionnaire and a short teacher-written biography underlying their practice histories and teaching philosophies, mostly concerning error treatment. The findings indicate that teachers’ contextual decision-making in relation to corrective feedback can be emotion- free, which fails to support the Damasian theory underpinning an intervention of the affective variable into reasoning processes and decision-making. The study suggests directions for further inquiry into the field of foreign language teaching and learning throughout other contexts and other populations, in order to rectify the Cartesian error.

Abstract Since 2005, it has been government policy in Taiwan to introduce English in Grade 3 of primary schooling (when learners are generally age 9). The overall aim of this research project was to investigate some of the problems associated with the implementation of this policy by combining research involving teacher cognition with research involving the criterion-referenced analysis of a sample of textbooks produced in Taiwan for young learners and a sample of lessons taught in Taiwanese primary schools. A questionnaire-based survey of a sample of teachers of English in Taiwanese primary schools (166 respondents) was conducted, focusing on teacher background and training, views about national and local policies, approaches to course content, methodology and teaching resources, and perceptions of their own proficiency in English and of their own training needs. Only 46 (27%) of the respondents reported that they had a qualification specific to the teaching of English and 41 (25%) reported that they had neither a qualification in teaching English nor a general primary teaching qualification. Many expressed dissatisfaction with the implementation of policies relating to the teaching of English at national level (46/ 29%), local level (39/24%) and in their own school (28/17%). Although many reported that the availability of resources (125/ 75%) and/ or student interest (101/ 61%) played a role in determining what they taught, none reported that the national curriculum guidelines did so. Although official policy in Taiwan endorses the use of 'communicative language teaching', only 103 (62%) of respondents reported that their own approach was communicatively-oriented, with 18 (11%) observing that they preferred grammar-translation. A more in-depth survey relating to teacher perception of pre- and in-service training was conducted using a questionnaire and semi-structured interview. Although all 10 participants in this survey are officially classified as being trained to teach English in Taiwanese primary schools, the type and extent of their training varied widely and all of them expressed dissatisfaction with that training, noting that they had no confidence in the trainers' own competence in teaching English to young learners. All claimed that critical issues were either omitted altogether or dealt with in a superficial way. One contextual factor that has a significant impact on teacher performance in Taiwan is the quality of the textbooks that are generally available. A sample of textbooks (3 different series) produced in Taiwan was analysed and evaluated, the analysis revealing that the materials were often poorly organised, inappropriately selected and illustrated, contextually inappropriate. Finally, from a sample of twenty videotaped English lessons taught to students in primary schools in Taiwan, six that were considered to be typical were transcribed, analysed and evaluated in relation to criteria derived from a review of literature on teaching effectiveness. All of these lessons were found to be characterised by problems in a number of areas, including lesson focus, lesson staging, concept introduction, concept checking, and the setting up and conducting activities. It is concluded that the implementation of official policy on the teaching of English in primary schools in Taiwan is fraught with problems, problems that are evident at every stage in the process, from teacher education, through materials design to lesson planning and delivery.