Jun Liu
I donate to TIRF because I benefit from and believe in the Foundation.
In the field of language teaching, the future lies in its research. It is from research findings that we are able to improve the quality of education. In order to address the emerging challenges that stem from the increasing role English plays in the world, we need to conduct research. Similarly, we face the responsibility of enhancing language skills for those who need the English language to be more effective in the competing market, thus research is fundamental.
Reflecting on my own career, I have evolved from an English learner to an English professor. I struggled when learning English in my earlier days and I have equally exhausted myself in teaching for many years. It was not until I found myself engaged in research that I realized the importance of pedagogical principles, approaches, and perspectives. The results of research have provided us with better information about our teaching. I am a firm believer in and practitioner of research. I strongly support the notion that the field can only move forward if we are committed to rigorous research and to the dissemination of research findings.
As a Past President of TESOL, I have witnessed the enthusiasm our young professionals and graduate students demonstrate when doing research and sharing their results with larger professional communities. I have also joined other researchers in seeking external funding to support large-scale research. But the problem we face in the field is the lack of funding.
Through my years of involvement on TIRF’s Board of Trustees, I am convinced that our individual contributions, when pooled together, will make a difference. TIRF needs us and we need TIRF. I feel that to donate to TIRF is a way to empower ourselves. I highly encourage you, my colleagues in language education, to seriously consider giving to TIRF. Regardless of the amount, your gift shows engagement and hope. Perhaps most of all, our donations demonstrate our commitment to empowering individuals worldwide through language teaching that has been informed by research.
