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Open research questions in Second Language Learning and Teaching

1,084 unresolved questions extracted from the limitations and future-work sections of 10,883 Second Language Learning and Teaching papers in our library. Each links back to the study that raised it.

What the literature leaves open

  • Yet little is known about how these practices enable multilingual students to reshape what counts as academic and intelligible knowledge.

    Fostering linguistic and epistemic inclusion among multilingual students through translanguaging and multimodal composition · 2026 · DOI

  • Future research should focus on cross-institutional pilot validations, longitudinal studies of cognitive entrainment, and the development of standardised instruments for measuring metacognitive efficiency in AI-augmented environments.

    The adaptive learning taxonomy for responsible large language model integration in higher education · 2026 · DOI

  • Although the development of proficiency has been studied extensively in this context, comparatively little is known about how intercultural competence develops domestically as part of a broader postsecondary educational experience.

    Charting the development of second language proficiency and intercultural competence in postsecondary education · 2025 · DOI

  • While CLIL has been recognized as a successful model for integrating subject content with foreign language instruction, its implementation in Poland remains under-researched, particularly concerning teacher competence and perceptions.

    Success or Failure? Polish CLIL Teachers’ Perspective: A Qualitative Study Based on Interviews · 2025 · DOI

  • While most researchers who speak English as a second language receive lifelong training in the language, the issue of English acting as a barrier to scientific research remains underexplored and warrants further investigation.

    English proficiency and national competitiveness in sustainable development research based on a bibliometric analysis · 2025 · DOI

  • Future research should explore integrating cultural content into VR environments to enhance students’ cultural awareness and sensitivity.

    Enhancing multimodal output in CLIL education: the impact of VR games on fourth-grade students’ English poster designs and presentations in Taiwan · 2024 · DOI

  • Given these findings, many more questions, however, remain to be studied~ for findings, many more questions, however, remain to be studied, for example: example: Downloaded by [University of Aberdeen] at 04:28 05 October 2014 82 82 NABE Journal Fall Given these findings, many more questions, however, remain to be studied~ for findings, many more questions, however, remain to be studied, for example: example: Downloaded by [University of Aberdeen] at 04:28 05 October 2014 82 82 NABE Journal Fall 1987 NABE Journal Fall 1987 (1) (1) (2) (2) (3) (3) (4) (4)

    Single Subject Research in Bilingual Special Education · 1987 · DOI

  • Given these findings, many more questions, however, remain to be studied~ for findings, many more questions, however, remain to be studied, for example: example: Downloaded by [University of Aberdeen] at 04:28 05 October 2014 82 82 NABE Journal Fall Given these findings, many more questions, however, remain to be studied~ for findings, many more questions, however, remain to be studied, for example: example: Downloaded by [University of Aberdeen] at 04:28 05 October 2014 82 82 NABE Journal Fall 1987 NABE Journal Fall 1987 (1) (1) (2) (2) (3) (3) (4) (4)

    Single Subject Research in Bilingual Special Education · 1987 · DOI

  • The major objective, improving the students' reading comprehension skills, revealed a gap in knowledge of reading theory (approach).

    Innovating for a change: teacher development and innovation · 1987 · DOI

  • There is a lack of research on the impact of digital technologies on Japanese university students' learning attitudes. The study addresses the gap by investigating the effect of digital technologies on students' mindsets.

    Changes in mindsets of Japanese university students towards learning English with digital technologies in an English CALL course · 2026 · DOI

  • Many students perceive English instruction at medical school as redundant if they already speak general English. English for Medical Purposes differs from general English by emphasizing the academic and professional contexts of medicine. There is a need to reduce inequities in language readiness within medical curricula.

    Effectiveness of a Structured Web-based English for Medical Purposes Course for Preclinical Medical Students: A Pretest and Posttest Study · 2026 · DOI

  • Future research should investigate the long-term impacts of web-based EMP training on clinical communication skills, academic performance, and patient interactions. In addition, although the EMP courses were aligned with concurrent medical subjects, this study did not include standardized Medical Science Educator1 3 data on students’ performance in other courses. Therefore, the potential impact of EMP training on broader academic outcomes could not be evaluated. Academic performance in medical subjects is influenced by multiple factors, includ- ing prior knowledge, learning strategies, and assessment formats, making it difficult to isolate the specific contribu- tion of EMP training within the current study design. Future studies should examine the relationship between EMP train- ing and academic performance using longitudinal designs or controlled comparisons to better understand its broader educational impact. Integrating simulations, case presenta- tions, or interprofessional education into EMP modules may further enhance relevance. Comparative studies evaluating web-based, blended, and in-person EMP instruction would also help clarify the optimal pedagogical approach. Finally, adapting structured online EMP courses for clinical-year students or practicing professionals may expand their utility across the continuum of medical education.

    Effectiveness of a Structured Web-based English for Medical Purposes Course for Preclinical Medical Students: A Pretest and Posttest Study · 2026 · DOI

  • Geographical isolation and the digital divide present significant pedagogical barriers. The study faces challenges in terms of limited technological resources and educational inequity. The study recognizes the need to address issues of unstable internet connectivity and limited access to digital tools.

    TPACK, Informed Multimodal Distance Instruction for EFL Learning: An Action Research Study in Remote Elementary Schools in Taiwan · 2026 · DOI

  • The study has a small sample size of 85 elementary students. The study is limited to a specific context of remote elementary schools in Taiwan. The study does not provide a control group for comparison.

    TPACK, Informed Multimodal Distance Instruction for EFL Learning: An Action Research Study in Remote Elementary Schools in Taiwan · 2026 · DOI

  • The study has a small sample size, with 119 preservice teachers participating. The study is limited to the Community of Madrid, and the results may not be generalizable to other contexts. The study does not provide a detailed analysis of the long-term effects of the interdisciplinary experience.

    Mathematics in English? A Pilot Study on the Benefits of an Interdisciplinary Experience in Initial Primary Teacher Education · 2026 · DOI

  • Future research should investigate the long-term effects of interdisciplinary experiences on preservice teacher education. Future research should explore the potential of collaborative teaching projects to enhance teacher self-efficacy and perceptions of interdisciplinary teaching in different contexts.

    Mathematics in English? A Pilot Study on the Benefits of an Interdisciplinary Experience in Initial Primary Teacher Education · 2026 · DOI

  • The study was limited to selected schools in Bangkok and relied on self-reported questionnaire data from Primary 6 students and science teachers. The use of convenience sampling and self-reported questionnaires may introduce response bias. The study was delimited to science instruction only and did not consider other factors such as teaching strategies or resources.

    English-Medium Instruction and Its Effectiveness in Science Learning Among Primary 6 Students in Bangkok, Thailand · 2026 · DOI

  • Based on the findings and conclusions of the study, the following recommendations are hereby presented: 1. The administration may implement targeted recruitment and support strategies to address the gender imbalance among science teachers and strengthen workforce diversity through inclusive hiring and professional development opportunities. 2. The administration is encouraged to establish a structured mentoring program where more experienced teachers support less experienced ones in improving the effectiveness of Englishmedium science instruction through sharing of best practices and teaching strategies. 3. The administration may provide continuous professional development programs focused on enhancing teachers’ pedagogical skills, English language integration, and classroom management to further improve instructional effectiveness. https://ojs.myeduheart.com/index.php/arje 359 EduHeart Knowledge Network and Publishing, Inc. Asian Research Journal of Education, 2026 E-ISSN: 3028-0842 P-ISSN: 3028-0834 Vol. 3 No. 2 DOI: https://doi.org/10.66206/eduheart.2026.290 4. The administration may regularly gather students’ feedback through surveys or consultations to better understand their learning experiences and address the perception gap between teachers and students, ensuring more responsive and student-centered instruction. 5. It is highly recommended to implement the proposed training plan on enhancing science learning through English instruction as a professional development program for teachers in Bangkok, Thailand. REFERENCES American Psychological Association. (2017). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct. https://www.apa.org/ethics/code Bandura, A. (1986). Social foundations of thought and action: A social cognitive theory. Prentice-Hall. Banks, J. A. (2008). Diversity, group identity, and citizenship education in a global age. Educational Researcher, 37(3), 129–139. https://doi.org/10.3102/0013189X08317501 Brown, R., & Smith, J. (2019). The impact of teacher experience on instructional practices: A longitudinal study. Teaching and Teacher Education, 75, 112–126. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2018.06.010 Byram, M. (1997). Teaching and assessing intercultural communicative competence. Multilingual Matters. Cheng, L., & Wang, Y. (2005). A study of the relationship between EFL learners' strategy use and their English proficiency. Applied Linguistics, 26(4), 502–532. https://doi.org/10.1093/applin/ami038 Coyle, D., Hood, P., & Marsh, D. (2010). CLIL: Content and language integrated learning. Cambridge University Press. Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2017). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (5th ed.). SAGE Publications. Cummins, J. (2000). Language, power, and pedagogy: Bilingual children in the crossfire. Multilingual Matters. Cummins, J. (2008).

    English-Medium Instruction and Its Effectiveness in Science Learning Among Primary 6 Students in Bangkok, Thailand · 2026 · DOI

  • There is a lack of studies on the implementation of GBA with GenAI feedback in teaching exposition writing to undergraduate EFL students in Indonesia.

    A Genre-based Approach with GenAI feedback to Teaching Written Exposition in a Tertiary EFL Context in Indonesia · 2026 · DOI

  • The current English-language teaching ecosystem in economics education is not devoid of soft skills opportunities, but these opportunities remain under-structured. The study identifies a gap in the development of soft skills in Economics programmes at selected universities in Uzbekistan.

    ENHANCING THE SOFT SKILLS COMPONENT IN ECONOMICS EDUCATION: AN ANALYSIS OF CURRICULUM, SYLLABI, AND ENGLISH-LANGUAGE TEXTBOOKS IN SELECTED UNIVERSITIES OF UZBEKISTAN · 2026 · DOI

  • Limited English proficiency among lecturers. Disciplinary and linguistic differences in EMI attitudes and English self-efficacy. Institutional support for lecturers' English language development.

    English self-efficacy and attitudes toward English-medium instruction among university lecturers in Algeria: A quantitative analysis · 2026 · DOI

  • The study relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to biases. The survey was only available in Arabic and French, which may have limited participation from lecturers with other language backgrounds.

    English self-efficacy and attitudes toward English-medium instruction among university lecturers in Algeria: A quantitative analysis · 2026 · DOI

  • The study is limited to a relatively small number of students from a single university. The study was affected by the consequences of the pandemic and the introduction of martial law in Ukraine.

    Ukrainian Experience in Teaching Higher Mathematics in English: Outcomes and Challenges · 2026 · DOI

  • Further studies on the effectiveness of EMI in different contexts and disciplines. Investigations into the development of adapted teaching materials and methodological support for EMI implementation.

    Ukrainian Experience in Teaching Higher Mathematics in English: Outcomes and Challenges · 2026 · DOI

  • The study identifies challenges related to ensuring equitable access to EU-related knowledge and fostering inclusive pathways toward global readiness. It highlights the need for higher education institutions to reconsider aspects of their civic and EDE policies. The study notes the complexity of measuring students' self-perceived knowledge of the EU and their motivation to use English.

    Exploring the Effect of Informedness About the EU on Instrumentality-Promotion Motivation to Use English in Croatian and Serbian Higher Education · 2026 · DOI

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1,084 open questions have been extracted from the limitations and future-work passages of 10,883 Second Language Learning and Teaching papers in our library. Each one below links back to the study that raised it, so you can read the original claim in context.

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