The Possibilities and Problematics of Research with LESLLA

Abstract

This paper will explore some of the unique methodological, theoretical, and ethical issues we have confronted when doing research on topics related to the teaching of adolescents and adult language learners with little formal schooling. By sharing narratives of our research process, we hope to demystify research with LESLLA, inspire others to learn about how research changes across contexts and populations, and inspire discussion about promising research practices. This paper is about the possibilities and problematics of the ways of knowing about LESLLA and the decisions and experiences researchers make as they carry out their work.