HUMANITIES conference highlight | Ying Zhang
Ying Zhang
Program of Study: Ph.D. in Linguistics
Conference/Event Name:TESOL International Convention
Name of project/research: A Four-Step Framework for Teaching Pragmatics to English Language Learners
Q: What drew you to this conference/presentation?
A: The annual Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) International Convention is one of the largest conferences in the field of Applied Linguistics, attracting numerous researchers and practitioners (e.g., language teachers) from all over the world every year.
Q: What are you passionate about? Did this conference/presentation correlate with that interest?
A: I am passionate about conducting research on second language acquisition and pedagogy. This presentation was closely related to my research interests and my major.
“It was a pleasure presenting my research at the TESOL International Convention. I will continue presenting my research at impactful conferences like this one.”
Q: What has been the biggest take-away from this experience?
A: The biggest takeaway from presenting at the 2025 TESOL International Convention has been the opportunity to share my research with a community of both researchers and practitioners, such as language instructors who are actively shaping the learning experiences of students. Engaging with this audience provided invaluable insights into the practical applications of my findings and facilitated rich dialogues on the intersection of theory and practice. This interaction not only enhanced my understanding of how research can inform pedagogical strategies but also emphasized the importance of fostering a reciprocal exchange between academic research and classroom-based practice to drive innovation in language education.