Conceptualising Classroom Observations for a Project on Higher Education English Studies in Non-Anglophone Contexts

SUMAN GUPTA
The Open University


Abstract
This paper discusses the conceptual considerations that underpin classroom teaching observations within the research methodology for a project on Higher Education English Studies in ordinarily non-Anglophone contexts. The parameters of the broad project are outlined, and the methodological purpose served by classroom teaching observations therein explained. A survey of the various strands of existing classroom research follows, highlighting the relevant aspects of each for this project. A section briefly considers what sort of initial conceptual understanding of the classroom is suitable, and three frameworks – exploiting notions of spatiality, culture and performance – are recommended. How observer-interference in the classroom may be negotiated is briefly considered in the final section.

Keywords: Classroom research, teaching observation, classroom conceptualized, language teaching, literature teaching, cultural studies

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