Editor’s note: TIRF Chief Operating Officer Ryan Damerow interviews TIRF Trustee Kathi Bailey about the value involved in both TIRF’s reference list collection and the opportunity for organizations to help sponsor the lists.
Ryan Damerow: Kathi, thank you for joining me to talk about TIRF’s collection of Reference Lists. As you know well, these lists cover a variety of topics, more than 250, in fact, in language education, like assessment, multilingualism, and technology in language learning. Can you start by explaining why you think these lists are valuable to our individuals in our field?
Kathi Bailey: Thanks, Ryan—I’m delighted to discuss this topic. TIRF’s reference lists are unique resources because they consolidate citations of academic publications on specific areas of language education into one place. Language educators, researchers, and students often spend a lot of time searching for credible sources. The reference lists streamline this process by providing a carefully curated selection of resources that address contemporary issues and trends in language education. This resource helps our field advance more efficiently, as educators can access relevant and up-to-date research to inform their practices or studies.
Ryan: That makes a lot of sense. So, we’re not only offering access to citations of current research but helping educators and scholars save time, which is essential. How does sponsorship play into this? Why would an organization want to support the creation of these reference lists?
Kathi: Sponsorship plays a vital role. When organizations sponsor a reference list, they’re aligning themselves with TIRF’s mission of supporting research and enhancing language education worldwide. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship. For TIRF, these sponsorships help fund the maintenance and expansion of the lists. For the sponsoring organizations, it’s an opportunity to showcase their commitment to advancing language education while gaining visibility among the global language education community. It’s a true win-win!
Ryan: Definitely. The visibility component is valuable for sponsors, especially for organizations looking to connect with language educators and researchers globally. I imagine there’s also a broader value in sustaining these lists. Could you speak to that?
Kathi: Absolutely. By contributing to TIRF’s reference lists, organizations are investing in the continued professionalization and development of the field. Language education is dynamic—new theories, technologies, methodologies, and research issues emerge all the time. TIRF’s reference lists help educators and scholars keep up with these changes, which ultimately improves teaching practices and outcomes for learners. Sponsorships make it possible for us to update these resources regularly, ensuring their relevance.
Ryan: I love that. In other words, this project is about more than just collecting references; it’s about staying current and being adaptable to the needs of the field. Could you talk a bit more about the selection process for the sources included in these lists?
Kathi: Of course. In addition to including some of the key classics on a topic, each list includes recent studies and articles from a range of journals and publishers, covering theoretical as well as practical aspects. Doing so ensures that users can find a well-rounded view of the topics, from evidence-based practices to foundational theories. This curated approach means that language educators have a reliable, one-stop resource for credible, high-quality research.
Ryan: That makes these lists even more valuable. What would you say to a prospective sponsor considering supporting a TIRF reference list?
Kathi: I would say, “Think of it as an investment in the future of language education.” By supporting TIRF’s reference lists, sponsors are not only promoting the growth and accessibility of knowledge in the field but also enhancing their own reputation as leaders who are committed to educational advancement. It’s an impactful way for organizations to support educators, learners, and researchers across the world.
Ryan: Well said, Kathi. Thank you for sharing these insights. It’s exciting to see how much potential this initiative holds for everyone involved—TIRF, our sponsors, and the global language education community.
Kathi: Thank you, Ryan! It’s always a pleasure to discuss how we can continue moving language education forward.
For information about reference list sponsorship, please click here, or write to [email protected]. To see lists awaiting sponsorship, click here.
