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.
students
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.
Jaee Sonalkar awarded EHE Travel Grant for ACTFL
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aee Sonalkar has been awarded the EHE Graduate Student Travel Award to present her research at the 2025 American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana. Her work explores innovative approaches to teacher education in Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT), with a focus on developing effective strategies to support language educators.
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.
Jaee Sonalkar receives travel awards
Jaee Sonalkar has been awarded the Edward J. Ray Travel Award for Scholarship and Service ($1,000) and an EHE Graduate Student Travel Award ($950) to present her research at the International Association for Task-Based Language Teaching (IATBLT) Conference in the Netherlands. In addition, Jaee’s first academic publication, a book review, has been published in the Language Education & Technology journal.
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.
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.
FLRT Job Search & Career panel Oct 26
FLRT leadership has organized a Job Search & Career panel of recent graduates and advanced doctoral students. Attendees will also have the opportunity to workshop their CV or resume. The event is Thursday, October 26, 2:20 to 3:30, in Arps 274 and Zoom. See the flyer to register.
Teaching Excellence Award for Steve Iams
Steve Iams (FSMLE 2021) is a recipient of the 2023 NYU Shanghai Teaching Excellence Award, which recognizes exceptional teaching at the undergraduate level. At NYU Shanghai, Dr. Iams is a Clinical Associate Professor of English for Academic Purposes and was recently appointed as the new Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs. In this role, he works alongside the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs on initiatives which support student success and maintain academic policies and standards.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!