Call for Proposals: ACTFL Research Priorities

The purpose of the ACTFL Research Priorities initiative is to support empirical research on six priority areas that are currently critical to improving language education. Proposals can initiate a new research study, support/expand a study under way, or explore an emerging research area that is connected to one or more Research Priority areas. Recipients are expected to develop a publication for a peer-reviewed journal and grant ACTFL first refusal for submission for publication to Foreign Language Annals. The research grants are funded by ACTFL. Below each priority area is a list of sample research topics; research studies need not be limited to these topics.

Preference will be given to proposals that focus on the cognitive developments of foreign language learning.

• Research Priority Area #1: Integration of Language, Culture, and Content
  • Content-based instruction
  • Interdisciplinary approaches
  • Dual language immersion and other innovative programs
  • Literacy
  • Heritage language programs
• Research Priority Area #2: Language Teacher Development
  • Model teacher preparation programs
  • Mentoring/professional engagement
  • Preparing foreign language teachers for urban/rural settings
• Research Priority Area #3: Classroom Discourse
  • Use of L1and L2
  • Interactional practices
  • Dialogic inquiry
• Research Priority Area #4: High-Performing Language Programs
  • Profiles of effective PK-16 teachers
  • Profiles of effective PK-16 classrooms
  • Research-informed practices and/or assessment
  • Evidence-based decision making
• Research Priority Area #5: Language Use in the Community
  • Service learning
  • Study abroad
• Research Priority Area #6: Research on Practice in K-16 Settings
  • Assessment of learning outcomes associated with an instructional practice
  • Learning in blended and online contexts

Deadline: The deadline for proposals is October 14, 2016, 5:00 PM Eastern Time.

Process: The ACTFL Research and Assessment Committee will coordinate the review of the proposals and select projects. Applicants will be informed of the selections by November 1, 2016. Selected studies will receive a grant of up to $2,500 from ACTFL to help defray some of the research costs.