The Meaning of Research: Perceptions and Experiences of English Language Teaching (ELT) Students Regarding the ‘Research Skills’ Course

The aim of the study is to investigate the 2 nd year ELT Students’ practices and perceptions about the ‘Research Skills’ Course in 2006 ELT Curriculum. Open-ended question form was employed and 101 students participated in the study in 2013-2014 Academic Year. Data were analysed thematically and 4 categories were emerged; namely, definition of research and research skills, the most and the least effective parts of the course. Students defined research and research skills as ‘getting information’, and ‘solving problems’. They identified the most effective parts of the course as ‘analysing articles and sample research instruments’ and the least effective parts of it as ‘the abstract content and language of the course’. Implications are suggested in relation to ELT Curriculum.