CALL FOR PAPERS - TESOL in Context 2026 Special Issue on AI in English Language Learning & Teaching in the Australian Context

2025-08-25

Guest Editors: Dr Nhung Nguyen, Monash College

                           Associate Professor Rod Neilsen, Deakin University

                           Dr Yingmei Luo, Deakin University

 

TESOL in Context is calling for the submission of papers for the 2026 Special Issue of the Journal: “Artificial Intelligence- AI in English language learning and teaching in the Australian context”. Recent studies show that AI is transforming language education by improving autonomous learning, student engagement, and academic performance. AI also supports English language acquisition by customising listening materials and aiding writing and speaking practice. Despite extensive publications focusing on AI in English language education, there remains a huge gap in research about the applications of AI in English learning and teaching in English centres and universities, in the adult migrant English programs (AMEP), and in English teacher training courses in Australia. The existing research lacks detailed emphasis on the four language skills (reading, speaking, writing, and listening). In fact, research focusing on reading skills and grammar acquisition remain the least explored areas in current studies. This gap is particularly evident in the research on the sub-skills essential for language development like skimming and scanning, pronunciation and fluency, note-taking, and on assessment. This 2026 Special Issue aims to fill these gaps with potential publications from current research into the practical applications of AI in English language classroom settings, and for assessment in Australia.

 

We welcome high-quality submissions addressing (but not limited to) the following topics:

 

  • AI and the four English skills:
    • The use of AI in speaking and its sub-skills: pronunciation, intonation, fluency, and others
    • The use of AI in writing and its sub-skills: grammar, vocabulary, and others
    • The use of AI in reading and its sub-skills: scanning, skimming, cognitive and metacognitive skills, intensive and extensive reading, and others
    • The use of AI in listening and its sub-skills: note-taking, listening for gist or details, and others
  • AI and feedback and student support
  • AI and assessment and testing
  • AI and teacher training

 

In addition to empirical studies, we welcome papers with other foci including, for example, theoretical positioning or systematic literature review. We also welcome book reviews on a variety of AI and TESOL related topics.

 

Important dates:

The deadline for manuscript submissions is 1 November 2025 for online publication in July 2026. All manuscript submission materials need to be prepared as per the submission guidelines indicated in the TESOL in Context website.

 

Submission portal:

Please submit all required manuscript materials via the Open Journal System (OJS). For new users or authors who are submitting their manuscripts for the first time, kindly contact the Managing Editor, Dr Fiona Tang at tic@tesol.org.au for a new user account set-up.

 

A full Call for Papers can be found HERE.