This article reports on a mixed-methods research study in five English Language Teaching Master’s programs in Colombia. The purpose was to identify research problems as well as the strategies of intervention that M.A candidates and alumni dealt with in their theses. This study identified prevalent research methods, techniques, and instruments. The data collection methods included documentary analysis, four focus groups with students, four informal talks with the faculty, four interviews with the coordinators of the programs, and surveys with graduate students, professors, thesis advisors and administrators of these programs. Results suggest a preference for action research on issues of language skills, curriculum design, cognitive and affective factors. Pedagogical innovations dealt with ICT, ELT methods, and language learning strategies. Another result indicated that program participants considered the master’s as the most enriching professional development opportunity they have had. This study makes a call to local and national governments to continue funding continued graduate education and to make it a policy independent of partisan agendas.

中文翻译：

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ELT硕士课程近期趋势的探索性研究：利益相关者的见解

本文报道了哥伦比亚五个英语教学硕士课程的混合方法研究。目的是确定研究问题以及硕士候选人和校友在他们的论文中处理的干预策略。本研究确定了流行的研究方法、技术和工具。数据收集方法包括文献分析、与学生的四个焦点小组、与教师的四个非正式会谈、与项目协调员的四次访谈，以及对这些项目的研究生、教授、论文顾问和管理人员的调查。结果表明，更倾向于对语言技能、课程设计、认知和情感因素等问题进行行动研究。教学创新涉及 ICT、ELT 方法和语言学习策略。另一个结果表明，计划参与者认为硕士是他们拥有的最丰富的专业发展机会。这项研究呼吁地方和国家政府继续资助研究生教育，并使其成为独立于党派议程的政策。