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English for Specific Purposes (ESP), as a field within language education, has been evolving constantly since its inception. And as COVID-19 has affected our industry in a multitude of ways – many of which are known to us now yet many others are likely on the horizon – ESP is inevitably undergoing further changes in the near future.
Topics centered on ESP, such as key issues in the field, what we currently know, what the future holds, and what the implications are for various types of stakeholders, are all addressed in the latest installment to the TIRF Language Education in Review (LEiR) series. Authored by TIRF Trustee and TIRF Publications Advisory Committee Chair Dr. Andy Curtis, Language Education in Review: English for Specific Purposes, is free to download on TIRF’s website.
The primary readership for the entire series, regardless of the topics of individual papers, is non-academic. Papers are intended for policymakers and language education professionals in leadership and management roles, who need to be aware of trends and recent findings, for decision-making purposes, but who do not necessarily teach, conduct research, publish, or present.
TIRF is appreciative for its partnership with Laureate Languages to commission this latest LEiR paper and is grateful for Dr. Curtis’ efforts in authoring the publication.
Please click here to access this paper.
Many stakeholders (e.g., parents, policymakers, students, and teachers) see English as a medium instruction (EMI) as a tool for creating opportunities for English learners to achieve success in both educational and workplace environments, and to join a global academic and workplace community. EMI has major implications for English language learning and the formation of policy, with a range of stakeholders affected when new decisions are made.
This paper is useful to universities struggling to make sense of the language issues around mobility of students, proficiency of the faculty, etc., and includes recommendations of what would need to be in the policies of universities, faculties, and departments.
TIRF is pleased to be working with Laureate International Universities and Dr. Joyce Kling, the author, to produce this first paper in this series. Please click here to access this paper.
In February 2017, we released the fourth volume in the series entitled, “Global Research on Teaching and Learning English,” which is co-published with Routledge/Taylor & Francis.
This volume features a carefully balanced set of studies and practitioner research projects carried out in various learning contexts around the world. Digital Language Learning and Teaching highlights cutting-edge research in the use of digital learning technologies in language classrooms and in online learning. Providing an overview of recent developments in the application of educational technology to language learning and teaching, it looks at the experience of researchers and practitioners in both formal and informal (self-study) learning contexts, bringing readers up-to-date with this rapidly changing field and the latest developments in research, theory, and practice at both classroom and education system levels. The volume is co-edited by Michael Carrier (TIRF Trustee), Ryan M. Damerow (TIRF Chief Operating Officer), and Kathleen M. Bailey (TIRF President).
For more information about the book, including how to order, please click here. Please note that all royalties earned from the sale of the book will be donated to TIRF to help fund our programs.
Is there Evidence for Differential Benefits between Mobile Devices Used for Self-access Learning as Opposed to Language Learning in the Classroom with the Teacher?
For the main paper, click here.
Paul Sweeney, Founder and Director, Eduworlds Knowledge Ltd.
Executive Summary: Educators in ‘traditional’ face-to-face training scenarios are exploiting the potential of students’ own mobile devices – often but not exclusively smartphones and tablets – to increase the relevance of the taught English for the workplace programs. Seven educators from very different contexts but all teaching some form of English for the Workplace were interviewed about their practice of creating mobile-enabled self-access activities. The introduction of these activities proved beneficial in a number of ways: they compensated for some of the inherent limitations of the face-to-face program; they increased the workplace relevance of the course overall; they increased student participation and motivation and provided the students with tangible skills and resources which they could use in their personal and professional lives. The changed approaches and practices required by the use of these activities provided insights into the real nature of student digital literacies in educational contexts and pointers towards the training and support needed. Training is unlikely to be sufficient in itself – educators need to own and use these devices in their personal lives in order to use them appropriately in a professional context. The use of such activities extends the traditional classroom and leads to a rethinking of traditional educator roles.
Discussion of this paper provided by: Jeff R. Watson, Center for Languages, Cultures, & Regional Studies, US Military Academy – West Point, USA
Click here to read the discussion.
Discussion of this paper provided by: Kevin Jepson, Senior Development Editor, EF Englishtown.com, USA
Click here to read the discussion.
Terms of Use and Disclaimer: TIRF is providing this information as a service to our constituents, and no endorsement by TIRF of the ideas presented in this paper is intended or implied. The information is made available free of charge and may be shared, with proper attribution. However, the papers may not be reprinted without express written permission from TIRF.
New Ways to Support EMI Teachers, Students, and Schools
English-Medium Instruction (EMI) is the use of the English language to teach academic subjects in settings where English is not the most common language of education. Over the past two decades, the number of schools with EMI curricula has expanded dramatically because English is now essential for success in a variety of arenas, including politics, economics, technology, science, medicine, and media.
Context: EMI is experiencing growth in public sectors globally and is no longer limited to students at elite private academies and universities. However, research shows that issues persist in effectively implementing EMI in schools across all levels due to the complex nature of studying academic curriculum in a second or third language.
What the Research Says: A growing number of EMI programs encourage teachers to take advantage of students’ first language (L1) to deliver new skills and content in English. In this way, two languages are used to process content and support students in becoming fully bilingual and academically successful.
Why it Matters: English is already the leading language of technology and medicine and is the business lingua franca. Young people are required to obtain a level of English proficiency not needed for previous generations. EMI can be foundational in the development of English language skills across the many disciplines required in modern education. Students with greater English proficiency have more university choices and greater career flexibility.
What’s Next: Globalization and EMI are interlinked: International students continue to look for programs providing EMI while English-medium institutions seek these students as a source of income and prestige. EMI will also continue to expand in primary and secondary sectors, in both private and public contexts. Research shows that students who begin an EMI program early in their education are often more successful throughout their learning in English-medium schools.
Read the Report: In this recent report from TIRF and National Geographic Learning, author Tracey Gibbins sets the backdrop of EMI in today’s educational arena and shares where this approach to language education is heading. This paper is available in multiple languages. Use the following links to download the version of the paper you wish to read:
About the “TIRF Insights” Series: The “TIRF Insights” series profiles recent research in the field of English Language Teaching (ELT) in a practical and accessible format. Our publication is written for parents, teachers, school leaders, and all student advocates who want to review recent educational trends in a nonacademic way.
Click here to download the English version of TIRF Insights: English-Medium Instruction.
Calls to Action: Here is a set of discussion questions that will help you and your team take next steps toward adopting, implementing, and/or furthering EMI at your institution:
- What are some of the challenges learners face in EMI classrooms? Is there a discrepancy in English language proficiency levels among students in classrooms in our community? Are the materials used with our students suitable for all levels of English proficiency?
- Which cultural backgrounds are reflected in our school or community’s student body? How does this cultural mix play a role in our school or community’s EMI approach? How do we currently include and support all students? What more can we do?
- How can educators support one another during EMI adoption? Which teachers feel challenged, and by which issues? How can administrators support these differing needs?
- We know there is often a performance gap in EMI classes between students with lower levels of English proficiency and those with greater proficiency. How can educators support both types of students to decrease the gap and provide appropriate academic instruction?
- Are there additional equity and inclusion issues present in the classroom? How can these be identified and addressed?
Empowering Learners & Educators: English for Career Readiness
In today’s rapidly evolving job market, English proficiency has become a crucial asset for career success. Whether in business, technology, healthcare, or academia, professionals around the world rely on English to collaborate, innovate, and communicate effectively.
Context: The demand for English in the workplace extends beyond technical knowledge. Research shows that employers highly value soft skills—such as communication, problem-solving, and adaptability—alongside language proficiency. Equipping learners with both linguistic and interpersonal skills is essential for their long-term career development.
Dive in (one-minute read)
What the Research Says: English is the world’s predominant lingua franca, with millions of professionals using it daily to engage in global business and academic discourse. However, success in the workplace requires more than fluency; it calls for intercultural competence, critical thinking, and the ability to collaborate across diverse teams.
Why it Matters: As industries evolve, so do employer expectations. Professionals need to navigate complex, multicultural work environments where effective communication is key. Integrating soft skills into English language education prepares learners to meet these challenges and thrive in their careers.
What’s Next: Governments, businesses, and educators increasingly recognize the importance of embedding career readiness into English language instruction. Schools and training programs are adapting curricula to develop not only language proficiency but also the soft skills essential for professional success.
Read the Report: In this latest TIRF Insights paper from TIRF and National Geographic Learning, author Chia Suan Chong explores the intersection of English proficiency and career readiness. She highlights how educators can integrate soft skills into language learning to better prepare students for the workforce. Complete the form at the link below to download the paper.
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Calls to Action: Use these discussion questions to explore how career readiness can be integrated into English language education:
- How does English proficiency impact career opportunities in different industries?
- What soft skills are most valuable for professionals in global workplaces? How can these be cultivated in English language learning?
- How can educators design lessons that blend language development with real-world communication and problem-solving skills?
- What challenges do learners face when using English in professional settings? How can schools and training programs better support them?
- How can employers and educators collaborate to ensure that English language education aligns with workforce needs?
About TIRF Insights: “TIRF Insights” profiles recent research in the field of English Language Teaching (ELT) in a practical and accessible format. Our publications are written for parents, teachers, school leaders, and all student advocates who want to review recent educational trends in a nonacademic way. This paper on English for Career Readiness is available in English, Arabic, Chinese, and Spanish.
Designer Learning: The Teacher as Designer of Mobile-based Classroom Learning Experiences
For the main paper, click here.
Nicky Hockly, Director of Pedagogy, The Consultants-E
Executive Summary: This paper takes as its starting point Laurillard’s (2012) assertion that classroom practitioners need to become designers of effective learning experiences. It describes a small-scale classroom-based action research project carried out with two different levels of international EFL students studying in the UK, over a two-week period. Through the experience of implementing mobile-based communicative classroom tasks with these learners, six parameters for the effective design and sequencing of these tasks became apparent: (1) hardware, (2) mobility, (3) technological complexity, (4) linguistic/communicative competence, (5) type of MALL, and (6) educational /learning context.
This paper describes the study and proposes these six parameters as key to designing effective mobile-based tasks for the communicative language classroom. It is hoped that these parameters may be applicable to other fields in education. Finally, areas of concern within the study are explored, suggestions are made for future classroom-based research, and the importance of teacher training is highlighted.
Discussion of this paper provided by: Xueting Wang, Assistant Professor, DLIFLC, USA
Read the discussion by Xueting Wang by clicking here.
Discussion of this paper provided by: Anne Burns, Professor in Language Education & Director of the Centre for Language Education Research at Aston (CLERA), United Kingdom
Read the discussion by Anne Burns by clicking here.
Terms of Use and Disclaimer: TIRF is providing this information as a service to our constituents, and no endorsement by TIRF of the ideas presented in this paper is intended or implied. The information is made available free of charge and may be shared, with proper attribution. However, the papers may not be reprinted without express written permission from TIRF.
The FreeBook TIRF has co-published with Routledge features one chapter in each of the six previously published books in the “Global Research in Teaching and Learning English” series.
To download the FreeBook, click here.
In March 2014, TIRF released its first ever book-length publication. Teaching and Learning English in the Arabic-Speaking World is co-published by TIRF and Routledge/Taylor & Francis. This book is the first in the series entitled, “Global Research on Teaching and Learning English.”
Co-edited by Kathi Bailey (TIRF President & Chairman of the Board of Trustees) and Ryan Damerow (TIRF’s Executive Assistant), this volume includes contributions from TIRF’s Sheikh Nahayan Fellows and several individuals who were instrumental in developing the relationship between the Foundation and Sheikh Nahayan Bin Mubarak Al Nahayan. The book is dedicated to Sheikh Nahayan, as he was the person responsible for funding the Sheikh Nahayan Fellowships. We remain ever grateful for his support.
For more information about the book, including how to order, please click here. Please note that all royalties earned from the sale of the book will be donated to TIRF to help fund our programs.
This FreeBook features chapters on teaching English to young multilingual learners from the “Global Research on Teaching and Learning English” series, co-published by TIRF and Routledge. There are five chapters included in this publication from four different volumes in the Series. To download the FreeBook, click here.
About the Series
The “Global Research on Teaching and Learning English” series, co-published by The International Research Foundation for English Language Education and Routledge, showcases research by scholars from around the world, whose research has been funded by grants from TIRF, awarded through a carefully vetted international competition. Since 2002, TIRF, an independent foundation started by the TESOL International Association (TESOL) in 1998, has commissioned and/or funded research on a range of topics associated with the teaching and learning of English worldwide. This series offers a collection of previously unpublished empirical studies conducted by grant recipients throughout the world, as well as chapters from invited scholars. Volumes in the series report on issues of current concern to the applied linguistics community and the language teaching profession, and present a wide variety of research topics investigated through a range of research procedures.
Most chapters appearing in volumes in this series cover issues that motivated the research, the context of the research, research question(s) addressed, data collection and data analysis procedures, findings and discussion, and implications for policy, practice, and future research. This chapter structure helps to achieve consistency and coherence across the volumes, while at the same time allowing individual authors to report on the unique contents of their own studies. The authors and editors forego any honoraria so that all the royalties from the sales of this series can be used to support TIRF’s programs.
As part of TIRF’s mission to sponsor and disseminate cutting edge research into language education, we have commissioned a set of papers on different aspects of handheld language learning, to be published in the first instance as free downloads on our website. Each of these papers aims to summarize the state of our knowledge concerning the use and effects of handheld devices on the outcomes of English language learning.
More information on our mobile-assisted assisted language learning commissioned papers can be found by clicking here.
This book is the eighth volume in the Global Research on Teaching and Learning English series, co-published with Routledge (Taylor & Francis). It brings together the latest developments in research on teaching English in under-resourced contexts across the world, offering a window into the complex challenges that these communities face. Recommendations from research and experience in well-resourced contexts are frequently not relevant or feasible in different circumstances. Contributors explore local and regional assets and challenges to provide a deeper understanding of the difficult issues that language learners and teachers must confront, and they provide insights to meet those challenges.
With chapters written by TIRF Doctoral Dissertation Grant awardees, the volume addresses the crucial and growing need for research-based conversations on the contexts, environments, and challenges of teaching English in areas of the world with limited resources, literacy levels or other constraints.
The volume includes sections on policy connections, teacher preparation, and practice insights. It is a useful resource for graduate students and teacher educators in language education, ESL/EFL education, and international education, and an enlightening reference for all readers with an interest in language education around the world.
To view the book, please click here.
In February 2018, we released the fifth volume in the series entitled, “Global Research on Teaching and Learning English,” which is co-published with Routledge/Taylor & Francis. This volume is co-edited by TIRF Trustees Dr. Jodi Crandall and Dr. Kathi Bailey.
This volume presents research on language policy and planning, with a special focus on educational contexts in which English plays a role. Global Perspectives on Language Education Policies brings readers up-to-date on the latest developments in research, theory, and practice in a rapidly changing field. The diversity of authors, research settings, and related topics offers a sample of empirical studies across multiple language teaching and university contexts. This volume features access to both new and previously unpublished research in chapters written by TIRF Doctoral Dissertation Grant awardees and invited chapters by respected scholars in the field.
For more information about the book, including how to order, please click here. Please note that all royalties earned from the sale of the book will be donated to TIRF to help fund our programs.
In March 2015, we published our second full-length book in cooperation with Routledge/Taylor & Francis. This book is the second in the series entitled, “Global Research on Teaching and Learning English.”
The volume is co-edited by MaryAnn Christison (TIRF Trustee & Chair of TIRF’s Research Advisory Comittee), Donna Christian (TIRF Trustee & Treasurer-Secretary), Patricia Duff (Former TIRF Trustee), and Nina Spada (TIRF Grantee). This grammar-focused publication is dedicated to Dr. Betty Azar for her support during TIRF’s early years, as she was a major supporter of our grant programs. The volume features a collection of work that resulted from TIRF grants, which were awarded to individuals whose research focused on grammar in language education.
For more information about the book, including how to order, please click here. Please note that all royalties earned from the sale of the book will be donated to TIRF to help fund our programs.
The twelfth volume in the “Global Research on Teaching and Learning English” was released in May 2026. Research on Language Learning and Teaching in Digital Spaces is co-produced with Routledge/Taylor & Francis.
As digital tools continue to reshape educational practice around the world, this volume brings together research from internationally recognized TESOL scholars, including several TIRF Doctoral Dissertation Grant (DDG) recipients. The chapters examine how learners and educators engage with digital spaces such as online learning platforms, social media, virtual reality, messaging applications, gaming environments, and AI-supported learning tools. Together, they highlight how these technologies can foster collaboration, digital literacy, learner engagement, and meaningful language development across a variety of educational settings.
Like the previous volumes in the TIRF-Routledge series, this book reflects TIRF’s commitment to connecting research, policy, and practice in English language education. By showcasing rigorous, internationally relevant scholarship, the series provides educators, researchers, graduate students, and policymakers with timely insights into the issues shaping the future of the profession.
This volume is co-edited by TIRF Trustee Dr. Polina Vinogradova (Hurst Senior Professorial Lecturer and TESOL Program Director, American University) and Dr. Heather A. Linville (Professor and Chair of Educational Studies at the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse). Click here to learn more information about this book, including how to order.
Re-skilling Language Learners for a Mobile World
For the main paper, click here.
Agnes Kukulska-Hulme, Professor of Learning Technology and Communication, The Open University
Executive Summary: Ubiquitous access to mobile phones and other portable devices means that language learning increasingly straddles classroom-based learning and learning outside the classroom, in virtual spaces and out in the world. We know from studies of emergent learner-led practices that foreign language study can be enriched through easy access to resources selected to suit individual interests or needs. Yet learners’ choices seem largely determined by what they happen to come across, rather than knowledge about which language skills are best improved through mobile learning. Existing mobile applications often fail to exploit connections between life and learning. This paper suggests which language skills can be enhanced through mobile learning and how learner-technology interaction supports that development, particularly opportunities for learners to extend or practice their communication with others. The paper also suggests that new skills may be required in relation to the next generation of wearable devices and increasingly instrumented, technology-rich surroundings where use of mobile technology integrates with other tools, resources, and social networks that continue to challenge traditional knowledge and skills.
Discussion of this paper provided by: Richard Boyum, University Partnership and Grants Evaluation Coordinator for Afghanistan and Pakistan, US State Department, USA
Read the discussion by clicking here.
Discussion of this paper provided by: Sky Lantz-Wagner, ESL Instructor, University of Dayton, USA
Read the discussion by clicking here.
Terms of Use and Disclaimer: TIRF is providing this information as a service to our constituents, and no endorsement by TIRF of the ideas presented in this paper is intended or implied. The information is made available free of charge and may be shared, with proper attribution. However, the papers may not be reprinted without express written permission from TIRF.
Confronting Climate Change Education in ELT
Our world faces a number of challenges, and for many people, the most serious global issue is climate change, driven by the unsustainable use of the planet’s resources. But what does climate change have to do with English language teaching (ELT)?
At first glance, ELT might have little to do with environmental concerns. However, there are convincing reasons for ELT professionals to integrate sustainability into their teaching.
Context: As our world is globally interconnected, many national and international education frameworks underscore the need for young people to become global citizens who take action. Pioneering educators in the field of sustainable development are leading the way in preparing young people to become the global citizens of the future.
Climate Change Education, or CCE, is the education sector’s response to the growing global concern for global warming. Sustainability is steadily becoming a focus of education in science syllabi, through student-based action, and as part of national curricula.
Implications: ELT instructors can play a key role in helping students develop language skills to participate in the climate change debate. Preparing learners to be a part of this ongoing conversation and to act with informed awareness is the very basis of education. Bringing climate change discussions into the ELT classroom will help students develop their voices for sustainability discussions outside of class.
What’s Next: The science of global warming is clear. As climate change awareness increases globally, we can expect to see a much greater focus on climate action in all areas of life, including English language education.
Read the Report: In this report from TIRF and National Geographic Learning (NGL), author Daniel Barber details how stakeholders in ELT are confronting issues involved in CCE. This paper is available in Arabic, Chinese (Simplified), English, and Spanish. Complete the form at the following link to download the paper:
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About the “TIRF Insights” Series: The “TIRF Insights” Series profiles recent research in the field of English Language Teaching (ELT) in a practical and accessible format. Our publications are written for parents, teachers, school leaders, and all student advocates who want to review recent educational trends in a nonacademic way. TIRF is pleased to be working with NGL on this important endeavor.
Calls to Action: To promote further exploration and discussion for you and your colleagues on the issues raised in the TIRF Insights: Climate Change Education paper, here are some questions to guide a conversation around the topic of CCE.
- What role does climate change currently play in our students’ lives? How can we support students in learning more in a supportive atmosphere?
- What are the most relevant and impactful environmental issues that affect the learners’ local area and home country? How can we raise awareness of these issues and the part our leaners might play in tackling them?
- Which cultural factors arise when discussing climate change in our classrooms? Is there more we can do to support one another to handle these cultural sensitivities?
- What misgivings do we have regarding the adoption of CCE? Lack of training? Uncertainty around content that could be seen as political? Our own climate anxiety? What support could be helpful in overcoming these obstacles?
- What climate education projects would our students and our school like to take part in? What actions might benefit students, parents, the school, and the local community.