Research Synthesis in Applied Linguistics

Learn how to be "SMART" when conducting research syntheses in applied linguistics! 1 post every week about the SMART tool. Week 1 - here we go!

What does research say about how digital storytelling (DS) can be used to enhance children language learning? This infographic summarises evidence from 50 studies. 🧑‍🏫 DS can be used as an engaging and child-friendly approach for learning. 👨‍🏫 It helps children to create contents that are multimodal, including writing, images and sound. 🤳Scan the QR code on the infographic OR click the link 🔗 to original article: rptel.apsce.net/index.php/RPTE… 🔗 To infographic pdf: tesolgraphics.com/_files/ugd/a10… We are proud to be funded by and/or collaborating with @StA_IEI @TESOL_Assn @OASIS_Database @uandresbello @OpenAppLing

Link to publication: tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.10…

New RSAL publication: Lan, X. (2026). Radical Awareness in Chinese as a Second Language Education – a Bibliometric Review of International Publications. Research Synthesis in Applied Linguistics, 1–37. 汉语作为第二语言教育中的部件意识 – 国际出版物的文献计量综述

New RSAL publication: Abidin, A., Lengkanawati, N. S., & Damayanti, I. L. (2026). Mapping the Ecological Dimensions, Embodied Practices, and Epistemological Tensions in Translanguaging Pedagogical Research (2020–2025): A Scoping Review tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.10…

New publication: Translanguaging in English Medium Instruction Classrooms: A Qualitative Research Synthesis of Perceptions, Practices, and Pathways to Equity, Inclusion, and Epistemic Justice #abstract" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.10…

What does research say about using AWE to scaffold EFL Ss’ writing development? 

This infographic summarises evidence from 18 studies. 

🧑‍🏫 The effectiveness of AWE varies depending on the proficiency of the Ss & affective factors. 

👨‍🏫 AWE can facilitate peer dialogues. 
 
🤳Scan the QR code on the infographic OR click the link 🔗 to original article:

tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.10…


🔗 To infographic pdf:

…8-4a3f-ae89-5831781dcdf8.filesusr.com/ugd/14e987_792…

We are proud to be funded by and/or collaborating with @StA_IEI @TESOL_Assn @OASIS_Database @uandresbello @OpenAppLing

New publication in RSAL: Sreerekha, K. P., & Rahul, D. R. (2026). Task Complexity in Language Pedagogy: A Scientometric Review Protocol. Research Synthesis in Applied Linguistics, 1–10. doi.org/10.1080/299844…

Language teachers - here is the first question of the year for you! 

When do you usually or would you employ Automated Writing Evaluation (AWE) in EFL writing?

Unveiling the Psychological and Learning Impact of the Flipped Language Learning Approach: A Comprehensive Systematic Review (2010–2023) link.springer.com/article/10.100…

Ghanbar, H. and Kamali, J. (2026), Autoethnography in TESOL Teacher Education: A Methodological Synthesis. TESOL Quarterly. doi.org/10.1002/tesq.7…

Beyond scores: a systematic review of learning and psychological outcomes of digital game-based language learning (2010–2025) tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.10…

New publication: Wiboolyasarin, W., Jinowat, N., & Wiboolyasarin, K. (2026). Virtual Reality in Second Language Education: A Systematic Review of Pedagogical Affordances, Methodologies, and Technological Trends (2020–2024). doi.org/10.1080/299844…

It’s a wrap of 2025! Thank you for all your engagement and support this year. We wish you a lovely Christmas and a fruitful 2026 ahead! Please stay tuned for more infographics to come in the new year!

New publication in RSAL: Haddadian, G., Kim, M. K., & Haddadian, N. (2025). A Systematic Review of Automated Writing Evaluation Tools in Argumentative Writing for English as Foreign Language Education. Research Synthesis in Applied Linguistics, 1–51. doi.org/10.1080/299844…

What does research say about the effectiveness of Automated Writing Evaluation (AWE) in Ss’ writing quality? This infographic summarises evidence from 26 studies. 🧑‍🏫 Ss can improve their interlanguage development by identifying errors in their language use based on the AWE feedback. 👨‍🏫 Ts can facilitate Ss self-reflection to enhance the benefit of AWE. 🤳Scan the QR code on the infographic OR click the link 🔗 to original article: journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.117… 🔗 To infographic pdf: tesolgraphics.com/_files/ugd/a10… We are proud to be funded by and/or collaborating with @StA_IEI @TESOL_Assn @OASIS_Database @uandresbello @OpenAppLing

Volume 1, Issue 2 is published! tandfonline.com/toc/rsal20/cur…

Upcoming Professorial Masterclass: AI in Language Learning and Teaching 👉 Watch the promotional video: lnkd.in/dp8YftzW 👉 Learn more about the masterclass series: lnkd.in/dKBvauPW 👉 Register here: lnkd.in/dJ7JsWND

New publication: Kato, S., & Sato, M. (2025). Protocol for Self-regulated Learning in English Vocabulary: A Scoping Review of Frameworks and Practice. Research Synthesis in Applied Linguistics, 1–13. doi.org/10.1080/299844…

Interventions for students with reading difficulties in Grades 4-12: A systematic review and meta-analysis sciencedirect.com/science/articl…