The Tesol Research Training Journey

Research training is challenging, and the attrition rate of doctoral students has been increasing in Canada, the UK, the USA and Australia. In their book, Chen and Le examine the reasons for these students becoming demotivated, particularly in the context of TESOL. There has been much investigation into research training issues in multiple contexts and multiple disciplines. Yet, the research training process in TESOL for international students has not been explored sufficiently, and their voices have not been heard. This book gives voice to the research trainees, allowing their experiences to be reflected and the implications discussed in order to help create more effective supervision models. By employing the qualitative approach and adopting critical incident as a new technique for data collection, Chen and Le attempt to gain insights into the research training process to reveal different research stages of research trainees—those undertaking PhD degrees—and to put forward a model of supervision to improve the innovation and quality of research. This book tackles the complex nature of research training. It is hoped that findings of this study can provide research supervisors and trainees with theoretical insights and practical references.

Research training is challenging, and the attrition rate of doctoral students has been increasing in Canada, the UK, the USA and Australia. In their book, Chen and Le examine the reasons for these students becoming demotivated, particularly in the context of TESOL. There has been much investigation into research training issues in multiple contexts and multiple disciplines. Yet, the research training process in TESOL for international students has not been explored sufficiently, and their voices have not been heard. This book gives voice to the research trainees, allowing their experiences to be reflected and the implications discussed in order to help create more effective supervision models. By employing the qualitative approach and adopting critical incident as a new technique for data collection, Chen and Le attempt to gain insights into the research training process to reveal different research stages of research trainees—those undertaking PhD degrees—and to put forward a model of supervision to improve the innovation and quality of research. This book tackles the complex nature of research training. It is hoped that findings of this study can provide research supervisors and trainees with theoretical insights and practical references.

Knowledge Mobilization in TESOL: Connecting Research and Practice showcases language teachers’ experiences of utilizing academic research to improve classroom practice. Writing in the first person, the authors tell stories of research utilization that provide important implications for teachers’ professional development.

This book includes selected papers from the Hong Kong Association for Educational Communications and Technology (HKAECT) 2023 International Conference. It provides readers with a collection of insightful chapters which delves into the realms of data visualization, artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR). It also reflects on the dynamic shifts in online learning, blended learning, and self-directed learning. Part one of the volume includes case studies and examples of the integration of advanced technologies, such as data visualization, generative AI, and mixed reality in education. Part two shares experiences and observations from educators who embrace online learning, blended learning, and independent learning. Part three investigates the influences digital education has on learning, teaching, and society as a whole. The book paves a path for thought-provoking discussions on the future of education in a digitally connected world. It is a vital resource for educators, administrators, policymakers, and learners seeking to navigate and thrive in the rapidly evolving world of digital education.

With the purpose of exploring the critical possibilities offered by the global crisis of coronavirus pandemic, this volume presents the collected works of scholars, educators and practitioners worldwide, bringing to the readers a broad array of perspectives on how COVID-19 inspires us to rethink, redefine, and make sense of the theoretical and pedagogical approaches that can be applied in various educational contexts. Part One of the book provides an insightful exploration of the technology-mediated innovations used in English language learning and teaching. Part Two reflects on the online learning experiences of students, as well as the teachers’ strategies to cope with changes as the COVID-19 pandemic unleashed unprecedented disruptions in class. Part Three looks into a range of case studies regarding the digital divide, cross-border schooling, cyberbullying, and cross-disciplinary skill training in the post-pandemic workplace, highlighting the importance of creating a positive learning environment. Part Four draws on the observations and experiences of frontline teachers, to examine ways to optimize the digital learning experiences of students in and outside the classroom. This volume will be a useful reference for scholars in Education, Communication, Applied Linguistics, Social Work, and Positive Psychology.

This book presents a case study of English-Medium Instruction (EMI) implemented by universities in Vietnam, making valuable theoretical, empirical, and methodological contributions to the research in EMI which is currently a popular theme in the field of Higher Education. The importance of internationalization of higher education has been widely recognized by many countries all over the world. The spread of English as an international language has resulted in its crucial role in teaching and learning any disciplines. Globally, higher education in many non-English speaking countries has witnessed rapid expansion of (EMI) which was initiated in Europe, then to Asia and other continents which are featured with “Cultural Circles” spread in the world. Although there are many publications with the same theme available today, this monograph is unique because it is the first time to examine EMI classroom interaction from the cultural perspective specifically rather than from linguistic or pedagogical perspectives. It is a pioneering attempt to discuss in depth about cultural issues relating to EMI, namely (1) the social-cultural context of EMI classes in higher education; (2) the cultural backgrounds of EMI teachers and learners; and (3) culture interactions between teachers and learners in EMI classrooms. In addition, both quantitative and qualitative methods are employed to collect data from teachers and learners. Finally, a context-based model of EMI is proposed based on findings of this research. As a country within the Confucius Heritage Cultural Circle, Vietnam has been selected for this study because few studies to date are carried out in how EMI is culturally integrated to teaching and learning in the Vietnamese universities. This book is a joint effort by international academics, prepared for established scholars, researchers, educators, and research higher degree students who are interested in higher education, second and foreign language education and EMI teacher training.

Focusing on the actual experiences of L2 students who travelled from their homes to foreign lands as part of a faculty-led, short-term SA program, the author explores the linkage between intercultural awareness and sensitivity, language development (e.g., sociopragmatic awareness), and identity reconstruction in young adult L2 learners.

It is clear that teacher educators have ongoing professional learning and development needs. Chief among these are continuing to learn about content developments and pedagogical practices useful for teaching a range of PK-12 students in varying contexts; developing reflective competencies and sets of practices useful for teaching teacher candidates about teaching; effectively balancing teaching commitments with institutional expectations for scholarship and service; and forging useful understandings of identity across the spectrum of teacher educator responsibility and development over time, including taking on managerial or administrative roles. Working in institutions largely devoid of formal support mechanisms, teacher educators are often left on their own to meet these needs and subsequently must create or seek out opportunities for their ongoing growth. This volume explores in greater depth how exactly teacher educators engage in professional learning and development across their career trajectories. University-based teacher educator learning occurs in a range of settings and across the career span. Contributors to this volume describe university-based teacher educator learning spaces focused on their ongoing professional learning. Such spaces include teacher educator communities of practice, critical friendships, self-study learning groups, faculty learning groups, co-mentoring, and institutionally sponsored professional learning spaces.