Older migrants are often later-life language learners by necessity. While the bulk of extant research on older language learners focuses on those who elect language learning as a constructive leisure pursuit, for older migrants with low proficiency in the dominant host country language, progress in language learning is a key factor that…

This paper presents the findings of a survey on research activities and research cultures across the CercleS network. The survey was conducted under the auspices of the CercleS Focus Group on Leadership and Management and aimed to explore the scope of research in Language Centres; the links between institutional factors such as staff contracts and…

A prerequisite for learning is that instructions and other learning activities take place in a language that you understand. This may seem self-evident, but fact remains that most learners in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are taught in a European second language (L2) that they are unfamiliar with. Frequently, the role of the home languages in the…

English punctuation plays a crucial role in conveying meaning and clarity in written communication. Proficiency in punctuation is essential for effective language expression, especially for Vietnamese learners of English as a Foreign Language (EFL). This is particularly important for Vietnamese learners due to the significant differences in…

Micro-credential language courses have gained significant attention in the field of language education due to their potential to offer targeted and flexible learning experiences. However, the successful implementation of these courses relies on understanding the perceptions of language educators and addressing the associated issues and challenges.…

Despite extensive research on Global Englishes (GE) in English Language Teaching (ELT), relatively little attention has been given to how students from expanding-circle Asian countries perceive the practical implications of GE principles. To address this knowledge gap, this study examines how GE-oriented courses affected university students'…

This article presents reflections on research ethics beyond the boundaries of procedural requirements. It focuses on a doctoral study investigating how young refugees encountered England's education system and discusses the relational ethics approach adopted throughout the research. A critical ethnography was conducted using arts-based…

Research Findings: Few studies address the contextual conditions for preschool staff in supporting children in preschool, especially in classrooms with high proportions of early second language learners (L2-learners). The aim of the study was to describe preschool staff's support of children's engagement in units with high proportions of…

Writing anxiety has been identified as a significant obstacle for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners in China, with previous studies indicating that it can negatively affect writing performance. Despite this, most research on writing anxiety in the Chinese EFL context has focused on the relationship between writing anxiety and writing…

Recently, AI writing assistance tools have emerged as pivotal aids in addressing L2 learners' writing challenges. With this emergence, this qualitative study delves into the perceptions of Thai EFL learners regarding the utilization of AI writing assistance tools. A total of ten Thai non-English-major undergraduates were interviewed to explore…

English language learning has become deeply ingrained in Iranian society, with a rich historical legacy. However, recent concerns voiced by Iranian authorities highlight English as a perceived threat to the preservation of Iranian culture and identity, leading to attempts to limit its presence. This study investigates the beliefs, perceptions, and…

English writing centers at Chinese universities present a fascinating paradox. On one hand, the number of universities with writing centers and the professional interest in writing centers in China have grown steadily over the past two decades. But on the other, the number of centers is still modest and only a few centers have had a significant…

Grammar teaching has long been considered an important area of second language (L2) learning. It is also, arguably, one of the most challenging as teachers grapple with abstract concepts and complex structures assembled to express meaning across a range of contexts. Despite a wealth of research concerned with grammar teaching and learning, little…

This Case Study involves a study that adapted the convergent mixed-methods design to investigate target-language students' learning engagement in an academic writing class via translanguaging at the context of a university in Vietnam. A cohort of 116 English majors was conveniently sampled to respond to a closed-ended questionnaire, and 24 of them…

Background/purpose: Despite its informal setting, it is astonishing that the members of online English-speaking club (ESC) are adept at speaking. Employing a mixed-methods approach, more specifically a descriptive case study, this study aimed to evaluate the ESC contribution to its members' speaking competence development, to examine their…