University English teachers’ research conceptions and engagement: Insights from Cambodian higher education

Research into teacher research has received considerable attention in the last few decades. However, it still remains crucial to examine how teachers understand research and to what extent they engage in it. This study investigated how English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers in Cambodian higher education perceived and engaged in research. The study employed a qualitative case study and collected data through one-on-one semi-structured interviews with 16 EFL teachers from two universities (private, metropolitan, and provincial). Findings based on thematic analysis show that Cambodian university EFL teachers were positive about the value of research, yet their conceptions of research were mixed and contested. Their research engagement was markedly limited and was confined to conducting research to fulfill degree requirements; attending conferences, workshops, or seminars; and supervising students’ research projects. There was almost no involvement in academic publishing due to various challenges to their research engagement endeavors, including time constraints, research knowledge deficiency, lack of funding and support for research, limited social recognition of research, and insufficient sources of research motivation. The participants offered a set of recommendations to improve the overall environment for research to enhance Cambodian EFL teachers’ research engagement. The study concludes with a discussion and policy implications of the findings, as well as suggestions for future research considering the study limitations.