Cultivating a new ecosystem in English language teaching: A focus on researchers in a textbook development project

Abstract In addressing the widening research–practice gap in field of second language (L2) education, an increasing emphasis has been placed on a bidirectional and mutually beneficial relationship between L2 researchers practitioners. Through lens ecosystems model, this qualitative study explored how seven at research center China, who collaborated with practitioners other stakeholders developing English textbooks, impacted local teaching (ELT) ecosystem built bridge practice. Data sources included semistructured interviews, written reflections, official documents, effort to provide holistic perspective researchers’ experiences changes textbook project. Results showed that engagement, which was influenced by participants distinct levels ecosystem, healthy emerged as result The engagement contributed value co‐creation ELT facilitated center. evolving new is characterized rich, multidirectional, reciprocal energy flows among differing roles. particular, active agents, government support, dialogue platforms, collaborative mindsets played important roles facilitating ecosystem.