Abstract:
It is a widely held perception that English Language Teaching (ELT) in Sri Lanka is a failure. Although several
implementations were made in recent years to remedy the issues pertaining to English language teaching and
learning, achieving the expected objectives was a failure. Teachers of English being the most important
stakeholders in English language teaching, their contribution to these failures are significant. Out of several
reasons it is apparent that teachers’ skills, professional knowledge, perceptions and pedagogic practice all
contribute to the failure in ELT. Therefore, it is of vital importance that teachers should be equipped with
innovative pedagogic skills deviating from traditional in – service training programs. An independent method
which undoubtedly contributes to the improvement of teaching, and professional development is carrying out
‘research’, where teachers experiment and reflect on the problem, reason and solutions. Hence, this study examines
to which extent teachers are aware and exposed to research, which teachers can apply in their working contexts.
A variety of research instruments was used for data collection with final year undergraduates of the Bachelor of
Education in ELT degree of the University of Vocational Technology, possessing several years of English
language teaching experience. The results of the study revealed that majority of teachers were not aware and
exposed to any research related to ELT during their career. They often reacted negatively to the suggestion that they can use teacher research to support their
professional development. However, with the completion of a mini research, students emphasized that, research
help them to develop professionally and academically, enabling them to reflect upon their own teaching, creating
a positive attitude and encouraging them to experiment new ideas in teaching. Therefore, motivating teachers to
engage in research would make teaching an evidence-based profession making English language teaching and
learning in Sri Lanka a success.
