We are excited to share that Jeanine Markley, an MA Student in SLS, has been selected to receive a $500 Kalo Grant to help fund her project, the “Simple Connected Speech App” which is a tool she created that helps English language learners improve pronunciation through audio and visualization.

Kalo Grants are intended to help student entrepreneurs move their idea forward, secure funding, and build something that creates impact.

Congratulations, Jeanine, on this impressive achievement!

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We are happy to share that Ayano Kawasaki, a PhD candidate in the Department of Second Language Studies at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, has recently published an article, “Bridging the research–pedagogy gap: ESL teachers’ beliefs about L2 fluency and fluency-enhancing classroom practices,” in Language Teaching Research.

This article originated from her second qualifying paper and examines teachers’ beliefs about fluency and fluency-enhancing activities, as well as the extent to which these beliefs are reflected in their classroom practices. The study offers important insights into the need for teacher training that promotes a more nuanced understanding of fluency and the effective implementation of fluency-focused activities.

Read the article here: 

Congratulations again, Ayano, on this outstanding achievement!

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We offer congratulations to two of our SLS PhD students, Alexander F. Tang and David B. Honeycutt, for their technology in practice forum publication in a Language Learning & Technology (LLT), edited by Matt Kessler! LLT is the flagship journal in language learning and educational technologies with an impact factor of 4.1 (5-year impact factor: 5.6; Scopus CiteScore 9.0). LLT is sponsored by the University of Hawaii’s National Foreign Language Resource Center and Center for Language & Technology.

Alex and David’s co-authored forum, Multiliteracies for generative artificial intelligence-assisted digital multimodal composing: A technology-in-practice approach, provides a methodological overview on GenAI-assisted digital multimodal composing for teachers and practitioners to adapt and use in their multilingual classrooms. They describe step-by-step how to incorporate the New London Group’s multiliteracies pedagogical components in instruction, and share practical benefits and challenges, as well as lessons learned from their collaborative project. The article is open access and available now!

APA Citation: Tang, A. F., & Honeycutt, D. B. (2026). Multiliteracies for generative artificial intelligence-assisted digital multimodal composing: A technology-in-practice approach. Language Learning & Technology,��30(1), 1–13. 

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Dr. Gilliland’s talks were titled, “Practice Informing Theory Through Language Teacher Action Research” and “Being Reflective in an Ever-evolving Field of ELT.”

While at the conference, Dr. Gilliland was able to connect with some former SLS MA and PhD students (pictured below).

• Noboyuki Hino (SLS MA grad, now faculty at Otemon Gakuin University, Japan)
• Patharaorn (Orn) Patharakorn  (SLS PhD grad, now faculty at Chulalongkorn University Language Institute, Thailand)
• Gordon West (SLS MA grad, now faculty at National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore)
• Dennis Koyama (SLS MA grad, now faculty at Sophia University, Japan)

Congratulations to all on a great conference!

The post Dr. Betsy Gilliland an Invited Speaker at the 2026 RELC International Conference appeared first on Department of Second Language Studies.

The article originated from Ayano’s qualifying paper and examines Japanese-flavored English translanguaging practices in an ESL classroom, focusing on interactions between an L1 English-speaking teacher and Japanese students who share linguistic and cultural knowledge. The study offers important insights into how translanguaging operates in instructional contexts and contributes to ongoing discussions around Global Englishes Language Teaching (GELT) and traditional ELT paradigms.

Read the article here:

Congratulations, Ayano, on this outstanding achievement!

The post PhD Student Ayano Kawasaki Published in TESOL Quarterly appeared first on Department of Second Language Studies.

Congratulations to Ayoung Chung (PhD student, group leader) and Joonhee Kim (PhD student) for receiving the Elizabeth Spann Award in the amount of $2,000 from the College of Arts, Languages & Letters (CALL) Dean’s Office!

Their research project, titled “Investigating Overpassivization in L2 English Learners: A Comparative Study of L1 Korean and L1 Japanese Speakers,” explores how learners’ first language backgrounds influence their overuse or incorrect use of English passive structures.

This project aims to deepen our understanding of cross-linguistic influence in second language acquisition, contributing valuable insights to both L2 English pedagogy and linguistic research. The award will support participant recruitment and data collection, with the study expected to be completed by July 31, 2026.

Congratulations once again to Ayoung and Joonhee on this well-deserved recognition of their scholarly work!

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Congratulations to the PhD student In Ji (Sera) Chun whose article entitled “Exploring teacher mediation and learner responsiveness in small-group online dynamic assessment for L2 academic writing development” is now published in Language Teaching Research ()!

Abstract:

Research on groupdynamic assessment has predominantly focused on whole-class mediation, with limited attention given to alternative formats such as in smaller groups. Grounded in sociocultural theory, the present study explored how a small-group online dynamic assessment using video conferencing (i.e., Zoom) and Google Docs enhanced the English academic writing abilities of university-level second language (L2) learners. Twelve students in an intermediate academic writing course were divided into four groups, each consisting of three to four students. An adjusted cumulative group dynamic assessment approach was implemented over three week cycles. The analysis examined both quantitative and qualitative changes in teacher mediation and student responsiveness, as observed in relevant episodes both within and across sessions. For the within-session analysis, students’ initial silences in response to teacher prompts gradually decreased, showing a linear progression toward different forms of self-regulation. This trend indicated overall growth in the group’s zone of proximal development. In contrast, the across-session analysis focused on one group member (Sam), who exhibited a less even developmental trajectory. Although the quantity of teacher mediation did not significantly change, the peer comments exchanged (a)synchronously and the qualitative shifts in Sam’s responses to teacher mediation pointed to an emerging understanding of L2 writing concepts. Additionally, the online multimodal affordances of Google Docs and video conferencing further reinforced mediating opportunities that supported group collaboration. Overall, the findings underscore the pedagogical potential of a small-group online dynamic assessment for fostering L2 writing development.

Congratulations, Sera!

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Congratulations, Fred!

The post PhD Alumnus Fred Zenker lands Post-Doctoral position at TU Braunschweig appeared first on Department of Second Language Studies.

Dr. Theres Grüter was the plenary speaker at the held at Seoul National University on September 20, 2025. The conference was organized by Kitaek Kim (PhD 2014).

Dr. Grüter’s talk was titled, “Why Being Surprised is a Good Thing: Prediction Error as a Form of Negative Evidence in Language Learning.”

While at the conference, Dr. Grüter was able to connect with both current and former students (by row, left to right):

Joonhee Kim (SLS PhD student)
Jieun Kim (SLS PhD 2025, Soongsil University)
Sun-Young Lee (Linguistics PhD 2003, Cyber Hankuk University of Foreign
Studies)
Jin-Hwa Lee (SLS PhD 2006, Chung-Ang University)
Kitaek Kim (SLS PhD 2014, Seoul National University)
Hyunwoo Kim (SLS PhD 2018, Yonsei University)
Theres Grüter
On-Soon Lee (Linguistics PhD 2014, Sunchon National University)
Kum-Jeong Joo (Linguistics PhD 2014, Induk University)

Congratulations on a great conference!

The post Dr. Theres Grüter Plenary Speaker at 2025 ALAK International Conference appeared first on Department of Second Language Studies.

Fall 2025 Second Language Studies Student Association (SLSSA) Retreat

Mahalo to for organizing such a wonderful retreat at Ala Moana Beach Park!

The day began with a beach social featuring Human Bingo, the Earn a PhD in SLSSA Trivia Contest, and sticker design time, a faculty panel, followed by lunch from Da Spot, and our lively fundraising auction. Proceeds from the auction go directly toward funds and scholarships that support SLS students with conference travel and research opportunities.

We’re so grateful to everyone who joined and helped make the day special. Here’s to community, connection, and another amazing semester ahead!

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