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The development of EFL teacher agency for research in a domestic visiting scholar program in China: A case study

Junping Lu

Acta Psychologica2026https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actpsy.2025.106161article
ABDC A
Weight
0.37

Abstract

Despite a recent increase in research on language teacher agency, few studies have explored how in-service education programs shape teacher agency for research. Addressing this gap, this case study employs activity theory as a theoretical lens to investigate the dynamic evolution of a college English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teacher's agency for research within a domestic visiting scholar program in China. Data from semi-structured interviews, reflective summaries, and relevant documents were collected and analyzed using thematic analysis. Two main findings emerged. First, the teacher's agency for research evolved significantly, reflected in: a shift in her agency beliefs from viewing teaching and research as separate to understanding their synergistic integration; a change in her agency practice from overthinking and inaction to critical reading, continuous reflection, and effective time management; and a development in her agency disposition from initial excitement to sustained resolve. Second, this evolution was mediated through her interactions with others, the use of cultural artifacts, and activity-based mediation within the program. This study contributes to the literature on teacher agency and offers practical implications for the design of in-service teacher professional development and teacher education programs.

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https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actpsy.2025.106161

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@article{junping2026,
  title        = {{The development of EFL teacher agency for research in a domestic visiting scholar program in China: A case study}},
  author       = {Junping Lu},
  journal      = {Acta Psychologica},
  year         = {2026},
  doi          = {https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actpsy.2025.106161},
}

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The development of EFL teacher agency for research in a domestic visiting scholar program in China: A case study

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Evidence weight

0.37

Balanced mode · F 0.40 / M 0.15 / V 0.05 / R 0.40

F · citation impact0.16 × 0.4 = 0.06
M · momentum0.53 × 0.15 = 0.08
V · venue signal0.50 × 0.05 = 0.03
R · text relevance †0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20

† Text relevance is estimated at 0.50 on the detail page — for your query’s actual relevance score, open this paper from a search result.