Editor’s note: In this piece, Dr. W. Lewis Johnson, CEO at Alelo, shares information about avatar-based language learning solutions. Earlier this year, the Brookings Institution made sobering predictions about the likely impact of COVID-19 on students by the fall of 2020. They predicted that some students would be performing at grade level,

As schools are beginning to reopen virtually and physically around the world, researchers, teachers, students, and others will be interested in this update from TIRF. Whether you’re a long-standing TIRF supporter or new to our website and newsletter, we want to remind you about the many helpful – and free

There is a saying that it takes a village to raise a child. The comment is sometimes erroneously attributed to Hilary Clinton, who used it as the title of a book she wrote. In fact, it is said to be a proverb in the African languages of Igbo and Yoruba.

The competition for the 2021 TIRF James E. Alatis Prize for Research in Language Policy and Planning in Educational Contexts is underway. The 2021 Alatis Prize competition marks the sixth year of TIRF offering this award. For the 2021 competition, a prize of $500 will be awarded for an article

The competition for the 2021 TIRF James E. Alatis Prize for Research in Language Policy and Planning in Educational Contexts is underway. The 2021 Alatis Prize competition marks the sixth year of TIRF offering this award. For the 2021 competition, a prize of $500 will be awarded for an article

Editor’s note: In this piece Aída Walqui, Director of WestEd’s new Research and Development Center for Improving Education for English Learners in Secondary Schools, shares information about a timely series of conversations with scholars working on schooling for English Learners. There is an urgent and compelling need to better understand

Editor’s Note: Dr. Aymen Elsheikh (left), a 2010 recipient of a TIRF Doctoral Dissertation Grant, is the current President of Africa TESOL. The organization has 21 affiliates representing national associations in 20 different African countries. Dr. Aymen Elsheikh has been spearheading an initiative to bring panel discussion opportunities to TESOL

Editor’s Note: Ross Thorburn (right) started his career in language teaching in 2006, teaching young learners. He has since worked as a teacher, director of studies and teacher trainer, and materials writer. In his job, he has led a team of 80 staff members designing online language learning materials for

In this month’s Chair’s Report, I am writing about the state of being inactive and unmotivated. Well, actually, I am writing about the difficulty of writing. I seem to be experiencing the doldrums. According to the National Ocean Service, “the ‘doldrums’ is a popular nautical term that refers to the

The current times have forced many individuals around the world to make difficult financial decisions. Traditional donations to nonprofits may be difficult for people to make. In lieu of such donations, there is an alternative way that you can help provide meaningful revenue for TIRF without actually making a donation

This past month, we experienced the June solstice. This event is realized as the winter solstice in the southern hemisphere and the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere. According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, solstice is an Old French word from the thirteenth century. It is derived from the Latin

We are pleased to announce the election of two new TIRF Trustees. The Foundation’s Board members unanimously elected Dr. Joan Kang Shin and Mr. Erik Gundersen to serve on the TIRF Board. In this piece, we introduce our supporters to Dr. Shin and Mr. Gundersen. Joan Kang Shin, Ph.D. is

For the past several years, TIRF has been offering professional services to individuals and organizations in the field of language education. In line with its mission of promoting both research and best practices in English language education, the Foundation seeks to work directly with stakeholders around the world to help