TESOL Releases New Research Agenda
Alexandria, VA (PRWEB) January 30, 2015 -- TESOL International Association, the premier association for English language educators worldwide, announces the release of its latest research agenda. Coauthored by a team of distinguished TESOL researchers, the agenda was developed to identify current and emerging trends in the field of English language teaching and learning, and to stimulate dialogue between researchers and teachers. The agenda supports the association’s effort to broaden its focus on research and foster classroom practice that is based on current research.
The agenda identifies three recent developments in the field of English language teaching that are driving change for researchers in the field: (1) new theoretical perspectives on the nature of language and the uniqueness of learning English as a new language, (2) instances of language learning and teaching that are increasingly mediated by technology, and (3) increased emphasis on the agency of teachers as advocates for change inside and outside of their classrooms.
Developed over 18 months, the agenda was approved by the TESOL Board of Directors in October 2014. “TESOL plans to use this research agenda as a catalyst to bridge the current gap between research and classroom practice,” notes TESOL Past President Deena Boraie, who oversaw the development of the agenda during her presidential year. “We hope to encourage researchers to focus some of their work on helping practitioners meet the growing challenge of improving student outcomes in various contexts.” TESOL will start commissioning research in July 2015.
For more information, visit TESOL Research.
About TESOL International Association
Founded in 1966, TESOL International Association is a professional community of educators, researchers, administrators, and students committed to advancing excellence in English language teaching for speakers of other languages worldwide. With more than 13,000 members representing over 150 countries, TESOL fosters the exchange of ideas, research, and peer-to-peer knowledge, and provides expertise, resources, and a powerful voice on issues affecting the profession. Through professional development programs, its international conference, special interest groups, and publications, TESOL engages tens of thousands of professionals to collaborate globally and create a world of opportunity for millions of people of all ages who want to learn English.
For more information, please visit http://www.tesol.org.
Barry Pilson, TESOL International Association, http://www.tesol.org, +1 703.518.2512, [email protected]
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