Directory

Leila Ranta, PhD

Associate Professor, Faculty of Education - Educational Psychology Dept
Contact Overview Courses Publications

Contact

Associate Professor, Faculty of Education - Educational Psychology Dept
Email
lranta@ualberta.ca
Phone
(780) 492-7511
Address
6-119K Education Centre - North
8730 - 112 St NW
Edmonton AB
T6G 2G5

Overview

Research

My research has mainly focused on different aspects of second language grammar development and the teaching of grammar in second language classes. Studies I have been involved in include interlanguage analysis, form-focused instruction experiments, the relationship between the analytic component of aptitude on L2 learning, and issues relating to teachers’ corrective feedback. More recently, I have been exploring the relationship between SLA theory/research and grammar teaching practice. This has been done through surveys of adult ESL teachers’ beliefs and grammar teaching practices and the analysis of ESL grammar textbooks. My interest in these topics has led me to become a member of the executive committee of the Association for Language Awareness (ALA) and co-editor, with Dr. Joanna White, of the Language Awareness journal.

A second area of engagement has been the study abroad experience. This includes a SSHRC-funded study of international graduate students’ exposure to English and my ongoing role as the Academic Advisor for the Visiting Students Certificate Program (VSCP) at the University of Alberta International.

Courses

EDPY 417 - Grammar of English for Teachers of Adult ESL

The aim of this course is to develop students' explicit knowledge of English grammar, which provides the conceptual basis for grammar instruction. Emphasis will be placed on developing students' ability to provide explanations of the most important grammar rules for adult ESL and to design grammar focused activities. Prerequisite: LING 101 or equivalent.

Winter Term 2025

EDPY 590 - Classroom Research Issues in Second Language Learning

Introduction to applied linguistics research in second or foreign language classrooms. Topics typically include: methods of classroom research; teacher-student interaction; the effect of feedback on learner errors; form- focused instruction; strategy training. Priority given to TESL Diploma, MEd, and PhD students. Students from other programs require consent of the TESL program.

Winter Term 2025

Browse more courses taught by Leila Ranta

Featured Publications

Form-focused instruction

Ranta, L. & Lyster, R.

Routledge Handbook of Language Awareness. 2018 January;

Where good pedagogical ideas come from: The story of an EAP task

Light, J. & Ranta, L.

TESL Canada Journal. 2016 January; 33 (2):40-56

How much exposure to English do international graduate students really get? Measuring language use in a naturalistic setting

Ranta, L., & Meckelborg, A.

Canadian Modern Language Review. 2013 January; 69 (1):1–33

Examining the interface between metalinguistic task performance and oral production in a second language

White, J., & Ranta, L.

Language Awareness. 2002 January; 11 (4):259-290

Corrective feedback and learner uptake: Negotiation of form in communicative classrooms

Lyster, R., & Ranta, L.

Studies in Second Language Acquisition. 1997 January; 19 (1):37-66