CONTACT | ESL

Introduction

Rapid progress in additional or foreign language learning, especially among adult learners, is often portrayed as rare or even accidental (Birdsong, 1999; Lengyel & Singleton, 1995). Some individuals appear to acquire a new language with surprising ease, while others struggle despite equal or greater effort. From a teaching perspective, however, this phenomenon is neither mysterious nor dependent…

“Try again. Fail again. Fail better.”

This phrase has been my personal motto for years. By the time I began my TESL practicum, I already believed that mistakes were not a sign of failure but a sign of learning in motion. I wanted my students to see that each stumble was a step forward.

During my placements,…

Abstract

In an increasingly globalized world, English language proficiency is crucial for accessing international opportunities in business, education, and diplomacy. For underdeveloped countries, enhancing English education represents both a challenge and a potential catalyst for socioeconomic advancement. This paper examines the challenges hindering effective English language instruction in these regions, proposes principles for context-sensitive curriculum development, and analyzes…

Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a powerful tool in language education, offering immersive environments that simulate real-life communication scenarios. Unlike traditional classroom methods, VR allows learners to interact with target language speakers, navigate culturally rich settings, and respond to authentic language cues—all within a controlled, engaging space. While the technology shows promise for enhancing vocabulary, pronunciation, and conversational…

Download PDF

*See PDF for images.

Abstract

This study examines the experiences of Ontario Certified English Language Teachers (OCELTs) who are non-native English-speaking teachers (NNESTs), using Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle to frame their professional strengths and challenges. Drawing on a mixed-methods approach, including surveys, interviews, and reflective journaling, the research highlights NNESTs’ unique assets, such as cultural…

Download PDF

Abstract

Discourse analysis research has previously investigated the rhetorical structure of abstracts found within empirical texts. This has been used to inform academic writing practices and instruction of English for Academic Purposes courses. More recently, this research has analysed abstracts submitted to conferences in the area of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages…