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Research Engagement Among University EFL Lecturers in Vietnam: A Positioning Theory Perspective
Participación en la investigación entre docentes universitarios de inglés en Vietnam: una perspectiva desde la teoría del posicionamiento
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15446/profile.v27n2.116028Keywords:
EFL research practice, EFL university lecturer, positioning theory, research culture, research engagement (en)compromiso con la investigación, cultura de la investigación, investigación en inglés como lengua extranjera, docentes universitarios de inglés, teoría del posicionamiento (es)
Most Vietnamese university lecturers, especially those who teach English as a foreign language (EFL), have always considered research practice an unfamiliar area and seem disempowered from conducting research activities. Hence, this qualitative study investigates the research engagement of 21 Vietnamese EFL lecturers from a positioning theory perspective, as evidenced in semi-structured interviews. The findings revealed the participants’ insights into research when they play different roles: (a) lecturer, (b) action researcher, (c) EFL teacher, and (d) impossible-mission accomplisher. Regardless of the participants’ positions, their research engagement was low and depended on their perception of such roles. The study discusses implications for fostering academics’ research in higher education within and beyond Vietnam.
La mayoría de los profesores universitarios vietnamitas, especialmente aquellos que enseñan inglés, consideran la práctica investigativa un área poco familiar y parecen desmotivados para llevar a cabo actividades investigativas. Este estudio cualitativo analiza la participación en la investigación de 21 profesores vietnamitas de inglés desde la perspectiva de la teoría del posicionamiento, utilizando entrevistas semiestructuradas. Los hallazgos revelaron las percepciones de los participantes sobre la investigación cuando asumen diferentes roles: (a) profesor, (b) investigador de acción, (c) docente de inglés y (d) realizador de misiones imposibles. Independientemente de sus roles, la participación en la investigación fue baja y dependió de cómo percibían dichos roles. El estudio discute implicaciones para fomentar la investigación académica en la educación superior dentro y fuera de Vietnam.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Van Son Nguyen, Hong-Anh Thi Nguyen, Huong Thi Lan Lam
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