INED

7782 Applied Linguistics for ESOL Teachers

Possible Questions for Case Study Participants

Below are some sample questions you might ask your case study participant. Please
remember a few key ideas:

You do not have to ask all of these questions. Choose appropriate questions based on your participant.
You may create/ask additional questions that are more relevant to your participant.
Try to stay away from yes/no types of questions for the most part, unless you intend to follow up with an
probing question.

Allow think time for your participant. One error often made in interviewing is that the interviewer does
most of the talking!

Record your conversation with a reliable recorder. Test it out ahead of time.
Allow adequate time for transcribing your conversation. Transcribe 20-30 minutes of the conversation
and summarize the rest of it. Transcriptions should be closely matched to the speech patterns of the
participant.

1. What is your native language?

2. Do you know other languages besides your native language and English?
3. In what setting did you learn English? Classroom environment or natural setting? In the United States
or home country?
4. What was your primary purpose to learn English?
5. When did you start learning English?
6. Are you satisfied with your English proficiency? If no, why do you feel this way?
7. What difficulties did you have when learning English?
8. Did you enjoy learning English? If yes, why?
9. Were you forced to learn English?
10. Did your native language help or hinder your learning of English?
11. What has been your main motivation in learning English?
12. Did you study English in your native country? If so, how did the instruction over there differ from
English classes that you have experienced over here?
13. Would you have more opportunities finding a job in your country if you are fluent in English?
14. How do you feel when you speak English now? Why?
15. Do you prefer using your native language or English in everyday interactions?
16. Do you prefer reading literature in English or in your native language?
17. Do you dream in English?
18. How is the English language perceived in your native country?

INED 7782 Applied Linguistics for ESOL Teachers

19. Do you care to share a moment when you realized that learning English would be either harder or
easier than you initially thought?
20. What kind of teaching style do you prefer in an English classroom (i.e. form focused, open
conversation, a mix?)
21. Have you ever felt that you were treated differently by teachers or general public for not being a
native English speaker? How or did that effect your motivation?