I have a new open-access publication, co-authored with my Language Pod colleagues Anna Babel, Nikole Patson, Laura Wagner, Kathryn Campbell-Kibler, Cynthia G. Clopper, Rachael Frush Holt, and Shari Speer. Language science and intergenerational learning in a science center is part of a special issue of the Journal of Museum Education on intergenerational learning. We discuss how language science can promote intergenerational learning in informal learning institutions. We describe our work with and at the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) over the past decade, explain what language science is, and relate how we have leveraged it to engage visitor groups. We then focus on two projects: (1) a study of science center programs that engage young emergent bilinguals and their families and (2) an outreach project to develop and implement language science activities about Spanish to be conducted in Spanish and/or English.
second language acquisition
FLRT Leadership for AY 2025-26
We have a fabulous new leadership team for FLRT!
President Ruiping Chen is a second-year PhD student in MLE. Her research interests center on how language teachers and learners construct and reconstruct their identities in response to the integration of digital tools in educational contexts.
Vice President Mega Wulandari is a second-year PhD student in MLE. Her research interests focus on supporting preservice English teachers in integrating technology-enhanced language learning and fostering more humanized approached to digital education.
Treasurer Maya Ardianti is a PhD student in MLE. Her research centers on process-based learning and authentic assessment in EFL and ESP, with a focus on how professional demands and technological advances shape foreign language education.
Secretary Ruonan Yang is a second-year Ph.D. student in MLE. Her research focuses on technology-enhanced and AI-assisted education, with particular interests in digital multimodal composing, AI for academic writing, and automated writing.
Multilingual Grandmaster Showdown
YouTuber Xiaomanyc came to OSU on May 1st to showcase his multilingual skills as he conversed with OSU students in 12 different languages… at the same time! The event was sponsored by FLRT, the Multilingual Language Education program, and the Buckeye Language Education Resource Center (BuckLER). Check out the video posted by Xiaomanyc about his visit.
FLRT workshop on IRB Huron
Today I gave a workshop on OSU’s new IRB application system Huron for members of FLRT. To begin, I went over some Huron basics, shared a few useful links, and pointed out some benefits of the new system. After that, we focused on 10 key issues in creating a successful application to the Behavioral and Social Sciences (BSS) IRB. My workshop is one of 4 organized by FLRT leadership this semester. The other 3 were on grant writing, leveraging technology in research, and building connections at conferences.
Bahar Balaban wins 3MT competition
Bahar Balaban recently participated in the Three Minute Thesis competition at OSU, a prestigious event that challenges graduate students to present their research in just three minutes. She won 1st place in the College of Education and Human Ecology with her presentation on multilingual identity development of international students at OSU. The 3MT competition provides a valuable opportunity for graduate students to refine their presentation skills, gain confidence, and share their work with a broader audience.
AOEL project webpages are live!
The Advancing Ohio’s English Learners (AOEL) project webpages are now live! Start at the AOEL landing page, from which you can explore the 3 resources created by our team:
- Family Roadmap
- Instructional Roadmap
- Administrator’s Toolkit
Please note that ODEW is still making some last-minute adjustments to the English Learners with Suspected Disabilities webpage in the Instructional Roadmap. All other pages are published.
New IJB article with Artanti Sari
Artanti Sari and I have a new article in the International Journal of Bilingualism. ‘Learning Qur’anic Arabic in a virtual village: Family religious language policy in transnational Indonesian Muslim families‘ examines how two Indonesian Muslim families in the United States used digital technology to support their children in learning Qur’anic Arabic in translocal and transnational contexts in which to connect with family, friends, Qur’anic Arabic educators, and voluntary kin. Our article is part of a special issue on sacred language learning, guest edited by Bene Bassetti.
ICEM talk with Dr. Zulfa Sakhiyya
Dr. Zulfa Sakhiyya and I are invited speakers at the 9th International Conference on Education in Muslim Society, August 14-15. This year’s theme is ‘Integrating Multiculturalism and Literacy in the Educational Landscape’. My department had the honor of hosting Zulfa as a Fulbright Scholar last year. Our ICEM talk, ‘Faith literacies in multilingual context’, grows out of our collaborative exploration of Qur’anic schooling in diverse settings.
AOEL sessions at Ohio TESOL
The Advancing Ohio’s English Learners (AOEL) project team has multiple sessions at the 2023 Ohio TESOL Conference. The Activity 3 Instructional Guide session is Thursday, November 9, at 11 am. We will give an update on the project and elicit input from the audience on supplementary resources, videos and lesson plans they would like to see and/or share.
FLRT picnic 2023
FLRT, aka the Graduate Student Working Group for Foreign Language Research and Teaching, held the annual start of the academic year picnic this past Sunday at Goodale Park. Much food and fun were had by all!