Dissertation
Learning to teach pronunciation: An Exploratory Practice study in an Australian adult migrant English program
Doctor of Philosophy, University of Queensland
2026
Abstract
Australia’s adult migrant English Program (AMEP) aims to integrate pronunciation teaching with units that focus on listening and speaking skills in its curriculum materials. However, training in pronunciation pedagogy for teachers of preliterate (pre-level) adults is minimal in preservice English as an additional language (EAL) teacher education programs. The inclusion of pronunciation pedagogy in professional learning initiatives in the AMEP has also received little attention in recent years. Yet, when it has the potential to support both students’ oral language development and their engagement with literacy, pronunciation pedagogy plays a vital role in adult migrant EAL education. This qualitative, practitioner research study examined understandings of the practices of teaching and learning pronunciation with five teachers of pre-level adult students who were learning EAL for the first time in an AMEP in Queensland, Australia. Drawing on findings from semi-structured interviews, classroom observations of teaching practices and a series of Exploratory Practice (Allwright, 2003, 2005; Allwright & Hanks, 2009) focus group sessions, it provides insights into a neglected context of EAL education. The study makes an important contribution to deeper understandings of the complexities and challenges involved in teaching pronunciation to adult migrant learners, and highlights the importance of adopting a collaborative, critical and reflective approach to learning to teach pronunciation.
Details
- Title
- Learning to teach pronunciation: An Exploratory Practice study in an Australian adult migrant English program
- Authors
- Skye Playsted - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Education and Tertiary Access
- Awarding institution
- University of Queensland
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- DOI
- 10.14264/8a73dea
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991245898702621
- Output Type
- Dissertation
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