CLS research seminar: Investigating Second Language Writing Teacher Expertise

Abstract

While second language (L2) teacher expertise in general has in recent decades attracted the attention of a number of language teaching methodologists, L2 writing teacher expertise has received considerably less attention. In order to address the “expertise gap” (Hirvela, 2020, p.14) in L2 writing teacher scholarship, this study investigates accomplished second language writing teachers' beliefs about what has contributed to their development of expertise. More specifically, primarily through interview and observation data, this case study explores the nuanced ways in which language learning and writing experiences contribute to the development of L2 writing teacher expertise. The study encourages further discussion of and research on the value of viewing L2 writing teacher expertise as “something in motion—as a journey, not an end point” (Hirvela & Belcher, 2022, p. 5).

Suggested reading if you want to explore the topic

Hirvela, A., & Belcher, D. (2022) Expertise in L2 writing instruction: The road less travelled. Journal of Second Language Writing, 58, 100936. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jslw.2022.100936

Bio

Nur Yigitoglu Aptoula is an associate professor in the department of Foreign Language Education at Bogazici University. Her current research focuses on genre-based approaches to teaching of L2 writing, L2 writing teacher expertise, and L2 writing teacher education. She is one of the recipients of 2023 Turkish Academy of Sciences (TÜBA) Outstanding Young Scientists Awards (GEBİP). Her scholarly contributions are listed on the following website.