2021 Volume 19 Pages 32-51
This study re-evaluated the significance and challenges of an “Action Research Guide” (Action Research Project Team, 2001) published in 2001 by the Association for the Promotion of Japanese Language Education. The significance of the “action research” proposed in the guide was examined through interviews with five projects members and the project chair, Mr. Keisuke Maruyama, as well as Mr. Jiro Sato, President of the Association for the Promotion of Japanese Language Education, who helped establish the project. First, as a problem that arose when creating the guide, it was found that those involved in the study perceived a gap between the daily practices that teachers at Japanese language schools are engaged in and the research findings from academic studies in Japanese language education. Furthermore, Japanese language school teachers stated that they considered it necessary to demonstrate the social value of Japanese language education in Japanese language schools by being involved in research that aimed at solving the practical challenges they face by their own means. Finally, the question of how action research might best serve the needs of Japanese language education is examined by reconsidering the creation process of the “Action Research Guide” itself as action research by Japanese language schools.
