Syllabus Development with Action Research in an English Writing Class 

by Luke Winn

I introduce an Action Research (AR) project which began in April 2023. The purpose of the project was to develop the syllabus and pedagogical practices in an English writing class (Writing 2) at Hakuoh University in Tochigi prefecture. First, I offer a brief primer on AR methodology, before moving on to an outline of the project itself. Next, I describe how an AR process was initiated and how that process produced insights into students’ learning needs, which in turn informed the first few stages of an action plan for syllabus development. Finally, I offer a critical reflection of the impact that the AR process has had on the course, and I hope to have a discussion with attendees about further avenues for possible inquiry.