Critically Analyse the Contribution Made by Qualitative Research to ELT (English Language Teaching) in China

Abstract

The importance of research methodologies has been put into agenda over the last few decades in various disciplines — such as sociology, psychology, health care, nursing, education, arts and humanities, and so on .Application of qualitative approach as the practical research methodology in language education has shown an increasing rate. To  achieve this aim ,the study first evidence a general overview from literature studies of the term, explore the definition, key characteristics of qualitative research .The second part investigated and analysed the underpinning theories and identify the strengths and weaknesses in a brief comparison with quantitative research. The third part analysed three published journal papers and argued research in the field of ELT and where its adoption in the future could be used.