3.3 Data collection and analysis This study employed semi-structured interview, student’s self reports, and classroom
observation in order to illustrate to what extent methodological triangulation could potentially strengthen both validity and reliability to confirm the emerging findings. The
researcher could address issues from the Julie’s self reports and classroom observation, which needed further clarification during the semi-structured interview. The semi-
structured interview could consequently represent the participant’s perceptions of particular aspects of classroom membership and social encounters.
3.4 Rationale for the approach to research design
Case study was appropriate for this study because it could allow the researcher to identify issues emerging from Julie regarding her participation in academic and social
communities. Cohen et al. 2000 view a case study as an observation of characteristics of an individual unit, which can be a person, a class, or a community. Yin 1993 defines
case study as an empirical inquiry that investigates a contemporary phenomenon within its real-life context. The researcher could aim at quite detailed understanding of her
perspectives in her educational context, without assuming that any other case would be the same. The findings of this study, therefore, do not aim to generalise her negotiation
of academic and social participation, but rather to explore and extend the concept of communities of practice by employing the Thai student as a case for investigation.
4. Findings
4.1 Julie’s past, present, and future Julie had a good attitude in terms of developing her confidence in speaking English once
she enrolled on a pre-sessional language course in the British university because she had the desire to improve her English, gain a postgraduate degree, and work in an
international company that uses English as she mentioned that:
“ I want to speak English everyday but sometimes I don’t have a chance to
speak English because stay with my friends from Thailand. I decided with my Thai friends to speak English every morning when we walk to school.
I come here to get a postgraduate degree. But more important than that is I want to speak English. If I speak English well, I can get a better job
because a big international company from England or America requires a person who could speak English well.”
Interview: 230705
Julie’s effort in her language learning can be referred to Norton Pierce’s 1995 definition of ‘investment’, which can be divided into symbolic or material investment. Symbolic
investment is defined as the desire and need learners have for friends, education and religion, whereas material investment refers to capital goods, real estate and money.
Julie’s personal histories and backgrounds were important elements that came into play in
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