Journal of English Language Teaching

Assessing Indian ESL Teachers’ Research Literacy: Perspectives from ELTAI 2023 Conference Abstract Reviewers

M. S. Xavier Pradheep Singh

Assistant Professor, PG and Research Department of English, St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous), Affiliated to Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu.

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8827-2494

M. Joseph Vinoth

Ph.D. Research Scholar, PG and Research Department of English, St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous), Affiliated to Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5929-0554

Keywords: Research Literacy, Abstract Review, Conference Abstract Writing

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Abstract

Presenting research papers at conferences significantly contributes to the professional development of ESL teachers. However, there is a notable deficiency in research literacy among Indian ESL teachers, as evidenced by the abstracts submitted for the ELTAI Annual Conference 2023. Out of over 480 abstracts received and evaluated by 12 experts, only 52 were accepted without modifications. A total of 43 abstracts were outright rejected, 98 required resubmissions after substantial revisions, and 287 were slightly amended by reviewers. This study documents the reviewers’ perceptions regarding the research literacy of the submitters and identifies key areas for improvement in abstract writing. It reports on a survey conducted with the reviewers, focusing on their views on ESL teachers’ research literacy, common abstract errors, and the essential skills for effective abstract writing. The findings of this study are expected to inform faculty development programmes and curriculum design, highlighting the increasing necessity for practice-based research in the current academic climate.

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