Promoting Engagement with Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles in Adult ESL Programs

Engagement with current research is essential for the implementation of evidence-informed instructional practices in adult English as a second language classrooms. We explored Canadian administrators' and instructors' engagement with peer-reviewed research articles, perceptions of their impact, and ways in which stakeholders could enhance engagement. Online surveys were conducted with 41 administrators and 268 instructors, and 4 administrators participated in a focus group interview. Results revealed that administrators were not actively fostering instructors' engagement with peer-reviewed research and that neither administrators nor instructors were engaging extensively with research. Those who were reading research, however, reported a positive impact on their work, and 86% of instructors indicated interest in enhancing their engagement. We provide recommendations for professional organizations, program funders, program administrators, and instructors to promote TESL practitioner engagement with research.