In this paper I argue that linguistic diversity is one of the most common characteristics of human history, so much so that it could be considered a "natural" characteristic of humanity (Skutnalb-Kangas, Maffi, & Harmon, 2003). Linguistic diversity combines with interaction among human groups and, in this combination, is produced bilingualism (I…

This paper reports the findings of a case study investigating the taxonomy of question-types in Hong Kong EFL classrooms, their appropriate application by teachers, and the resulting effectiveness in helping students understand the correct lesson objectives. Triangulation was conducted in data collection using classroom observations, teacher…

Responses of Vietnamese undergraduate students majoring in English to the integration of a Moodle site during an upper intermediate macro-skill course highlight differences in learner autonomy and expectations. Students' general attitudes towards and participation in this online Web 2.0 environment provide the basis for the research reported in…

This paper describes the introduction and evaluation of a six-month peer mentoring scheme at one Australian university. The scheme was initiated with the primary aim of promoting the English language development of staff who have English as an additional language (EAL), a cohort which includes postgraduate students working as tutors. It was…

Recent studies of emerging technologies have shown that mobile phone production now exceeds one billion devices globally per year (Johnson, Levine & Smith, 2008). With a level of production that signifies a shift in the ownership of "networked machines" from institutions to individuals, the broad appeal of portable technologies now offers…

This paper argues that violence in society can be reflected in the microcosm of the classroom, primarily taking the form of a range of bullying behaviours, and that TESOL educators can play a role in addressing conflict by connecting individuals and communities through a dialogic approach to TESOL. The article goes on to describe the nature of…

Currently each state and territory in Australia offers its own range of ESOL services and programs, guided by policy and supported by funding from both national, state and territory authorities, with some variations occurring across jurisdictions (government, independent, Catholic). The National Curriculum Board (now renamed the Australian…

Public debate on literacy in remote Indigenous Australia emphasises a narrative of failure. The discussion commonly focuses on the low literacy and numeracy benchmarks achieved in remote Indigenous schools. Little attention has been paid to the short history of literacy in isolated Indigenous societies, the shift from oral to literate traditions…

The power of storytelling is universal. Throughout history, and throughout the world, communities have gathered together their stories as a way of making meaning from their experiences and of making connections between themselves. This paper examines the role stories play in helping us to identify ourselves as cultural beings and it describes how…

Australian schools have a long history of providing education to students from culturally and linguistically diverse background, including new arrivals who are still in the process of acquiring English as an additional language. Nonetheless, the cohort of refugee children and youth coming from Africa's troubled regions in the last few years poses…

This document consists of the first three volumes (six issues) of the journal "TESOL in Context". Issues contain articles on a variety of topics in the teaching of English to speakers of other languages (TESOL), focusing on current issues and concerns in Australia. Article topics include teaching techniques and methods, program and course…