Paul Gruba

This book aims to advance language program evaluation and practice, building on the author's previous work in Blended Language Program Evaluation (Palgrave Macmillan, 2016). The book is based in theory, yet incorporates case study examples throughout each chapter. The conceptual framework is grounded in complexity and evaluative thinking, and incorporates a three-tiered approach on themes ranging from 'hybrid learning' through to 'leadership' and 'sustainability'. The style of the work seeks to engage stakeholders through its focus on utility and program improvement, and result in pragmatic, evidence-based results that foster quality teaching, learning, and administration. Despite being situated in a multibillion dollar global industry, few language professionals evaluate their language programs and foster improvement. This book is addressed to current language professionals and researchers, and aims to fill this gap in current knowledge and practice.

This book focuses on the investigation of the sustainability of technology integration in the context of language programs and is based on an 18-month longitudinal study of a blended EAP (English for Academic Purposes) language program situated within a university pathways course. The integration of technology into language teaching and learning in academic English programs often demands substantial investment in professional development, curriculum change, and technological resources. Given the intense effort required, sustainability of such efforts has gained importance, focus, and urgency. Situated in the context of English for Academic Purposes (EAP) programs, this book frames, and investigates, the sustainability of technology integration through a series of case studies of specific technologies: tablet devices, a Learning Management System, and an interactive presentation app. The authors explore sustainable integration of technology; the use of argument-based approaches as a basis for research design; and participant ethnography as a form of data collection. The book concludes by looking at the implications of the research and proposes that change management concepts be applied to better introduce, implement, and most importantly, sustain change involving educational technology integration.The content will be of interest to scholars in TESOL and applied linguistics as well as professional language educators who will benefit from insights into sustaining technology integration in their programs.

This book focuses on the investigation of the sustainability of technology integration in the context of language programs and is based on an 18-month longitudinal study of a blended EAP (English for Academic Purposes) language program situated within a university pathways course. The integration of technology into language teaching and learning in academic English programs often demands substantial investment in professional development, curriculum change, and technological resources. Given the intense effort required, sustainability of such efforts has gained importance, focus, and urgency. Situated in the context of English for Academic Purposes (EAP) programs, this book frames, and investigates, the sustainability of technology integration through a series of case studies of specific technologies: tablet devices, a Learning Management System, and an interactive presentation app. The authors explore sustainable integration of technology; the use of argument-based approaches as a basis for research design; and participant ethnography as a form of data collection. The book concludes by looking at the implications of the research and proposes that change management concepts be applied to better introduce, implement, and most importantly, sustain change involving educational technology integration.The content will be of interest to scholars in TESOL and applied linguistics as well as professional language educators who will benefit from insights into sustaining technology integration in their programs.

Many courses and degrees require that students write a short thesis. This book guides students through their first experience of producing a thesis and undertaking original research. Written by experienced researchers and advisors, the book sets out signposts and tasks to help students to understand what is needed to succeed, including scoping a topic, managing references, interpreting data, and successful completion. For students, the task of writing a thesis is a transition from structured coursework to becoming a researcher. The book provides advice on: What to expect from research and how to work with a supervisor Getting organized and approaching the work in a productive way Developing an overall thesis structure and avoidance of mistakes such as inadvertent plagiarism Producing each major component: a strong introduction, background chapters that are situated in the discipline, and an explanation ofmethods and results that are crucial to successful original research How to wrap up a complex project with an extended checklist of the many details needed to be checked before a final submissionProducing and managing a thesis for the first time can be a daunting task, and this reader-friendly guidebook provides a framework for students to do their best.

Advocating an argument-based approach, Blended Language Program Evaluation presents a framework for planning, conducting, and appraising evaluation of blended language learning across three institutional levels, and demonstrates its utility and application in four case studies carried out in diverse international contexts.

What is expected? What should the thesis consist of? How can the whole process be made a bit easier? How to achieve the best possible result? Working within strict time limits, and under pressure right from the start, what does the student need to do to ensure that the thesis is finished?In How to Write a Better Minor Thesis, experienced advisors Dr Paul Gruba and Professor Justin Zobel lay out step-by-step guidelines for writing a minor thesis. Based on decades of working with students undertaking their first piece of research, they take novice researchers through the process of completing a minor thesis from initial steps to final on-time submission. Written in a friendly manner, this concise book—a companion to their senior text on the challenges of research writing, How To Write A Better Thesis—will help you to successfully tackle this fresh challenge. How to Write a Better Minor Thesis contains sections of condensed material from How To Write A Better Thesis, complementing the entirely new material written for minor thesis students.

From proposal to examination, producing a dissertation or thesis is a challenge. Grounded in decades of experience with research training and supervision, this fully updated and revised edition takes an integrated, down-to-earth approach drawing on case studies and examples to guide you step-by-step towards productive success.Early chapters frame the tasks ahead and show you how to get started. From there, practical advice and illustrations take you through the elements of formulating research questions, working with software, and purposeful writing of each of the different kinds of chapters, and finishes with a focus on revision, dissemination and deadlines. How to Write a Better Thesis presents a cohesive approach to research that will help you succeed.

This concise guide emphasizes clear and logical structure as the key to a well-written thesis. The book uses a direct and conversational tone while offering concrete examples of common structural problems and the numerous devices, tricks, and tests for avoiding them. It proves that the astute researcher must no longer regard writing as the last chore but rather as a crucial part of the research process. This updated edition demonstrates how computer software can be advantageous and includes a checklist to keep students organized.