A Trend of CALL Research in China

Abstract

The research on Computer-assisted language learning (CALL) has been in discussion for several decades in the academic world, both overseas and in China; however, no proper systematic approach to the identification of research trend of CALL comes to our attention. Based on the author’s previous studies in this field, this paper integrates the understanding of Action Research (AR) into the introduction of two pilot studies, then makes a comprehensive study on AR in literature, including a survey on published articles on CALL in China in recent decade, and finally ends up with the concept that AR and the research on AR can be interpreted to be the trend of CALL in China. AR is an inevitable choice to teachers involved in the study of CALL, and also, from the perspective of practice, it is the embodiment of the core bearing in CALL definition and of the concept ‘nomalisation’- the only road to the future of CALL. From the perspective of the main contents in CALL study, AR is a closely-connected cycle of reflective thinking involving teacher, students and computer, in which, both teacher and students are in pursuits of professional development and the improvement of computer/ information literacy, while computer will gradually integrate into our life in this process. Moreover, in the discussion of integrating AR into CALL research, this paper puts forward a further explanation on defining AR in a new way, which means AR can not only be regarded as the research of researchers, but also the research of its participants.
The main purpose of this essay is: to make a general and systematic summary of the author’s previous studies in this area and propose a theoretical framework on CALL research; to serve those researchers/ teachers/ practitioners, especially entry-levels, for a clear and straightforward understanding on CALL study; to inform those professional researchers about the importance of the involvement of all potential CALL researchers, and about the fact that they will also benefit from the process of AR and the research on AR; and finally to indicate that the cognition on trend of CALL research helps to make a bright future for CALL activities in China.


Key words: computer-assisted language learning (CALL) research trend action research research on action research