A new journal, the International Journal of Christianity and English Language Teaching (IJC&ELT), supported by Biola University’s department of applied linguistics and TESOL, aims to encourage the integration of the Christian faith and the learning and teaching of English to speakers of other languages (TESOL). 

Published by The Christian English Language Educators Association (CELEA), the journal promotes critical reflection and research through publishing articles and reviews related to ESL teaching and learning. 

“As a publication of the CELEA, the journal aims to serve as a resource and to provide a forum for Christians working in English language teaching,” said Biola professor of applied linguistics and TESOL Michael Lessard-Clouston. “Our hope is that teachers, faculty, and researchers in this area will not only be proactive in the field, but also be better informed by relevant research from a Christian perspective.” 

The first volume was released March 2014 and is available online as a free publication at https://digitalcommons.biola.edu/. The volume contains details about the journal and information for contributors. The publication also includes an editorial by Lessard-Clouston, and professor Xuesong (Andy) Gao of University of Hong Kong, who co-edits the journal. 

There are also five articles and three book reviews written by 10 various authors who currently work in Canada, Japan, New Zealand and the U.S. These authors also contribute insight from various countries, including China and the U.K.

“Our hope is that the research distributed in this way will indeed have an impact on English language teaching,” said Lessard-Clouston. “Not only at Biola but wherever Christians are engaged in working with English language learners – at schools, institutes, and colleges and universities around the world.”

The Cook School of Intercultural Studies has also been involved in the Great Commission Research Journal and the Missiology: An International Review Journal.

Written by Molly Magee, media relations intern. For more information, contact Jenna Bartlo, media relations specialist, at 562.777.4061 or jenna.l.bartlo@biola.edu.