The Application Of Action Research In Professional Development Of EFL Teachers In SeniorHigh Schools

Action research in its educational application started in the U.S.A. in 1950s, reflourished in England and spread around the world due to the movement of teacher-as-researcher. It is in 1990s that empirical studies and case studies of action research as an important avenue for teachers'professional development were emerging in Mainland China. In 2002, Professor Wang Qiang published Action Research for English Teachers, from Theory to Practice, which has been a great impact in EFL circle.As the Year 2004 saw the National English Curriculum, quality-oriented English education reform has deepened. Much attention is paid to find a breakthrough to strengthen EFL teachers'professional development in senior high schools.Action research is becoming an ideal joint in education to bridge teaching action and teaching research. First it is a research for action and of action, and then it is a research in action by actors (participants). Action research achieves its initial target by improving practical work, emphasizing on the research by collaborative work among participants and researcher under natural circumstances and actual situation to promote the quality of action.As a teaching researcher in local Educational Bureau, I choose two ordinary teachers among nearly two thousand senior high school English teachers to conduct mini-action research during ten weeks from September 2008 to January 2009. The purpose of the research is to investigate how action research in real condition can influence the EFL teachers in senor high schools.Two experimental teachers work very hard to reflect and regulate their teaching method and class management by using the techniques of journal writing, class observation, questionnaire, interview, and peer coaching etc. In the process of action research, the teachers learn to evaluate the students and themselves in an objective way to form a reflective cycle. Thus their professional knowledge and competence as a language teacher is greatly enhanced.The research shows that a practical and effective action research is of benefit to EFL teachers'professional development in senior high schools. It is one of the best ways for teachers'professional growth.The thesis is based on real stories of ordinary teachers. The author regards it valuable for teachers to change his idea of teaching and learning and improve the quality of teaching and education and therefore improve their professional development as EFL teachers in senior high schools.