Workshops on Research Methods (NACCL-38)
Sign-up for the following workshops will be open to conference attendees soon.
Responsible use of AI for research in applied linguistics: Practical approaches to qualitative and quantitative analysis
Dr. Lara Bryfonski, Georgetown University
2:00–3:30 PM, May 8, 2026
Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping and restructuring not only language teaching and learning, but also how research in applied linguistics is designed, organized, and analyzed (e.g., Quan et al., 2024; Yin & Chapelle, 2025; Zhong et al., 2025). For researchers, AI tools create opportunities for making data analysis more efficient, especially in time consuming tasks such as coding qualitative data, synthesizing studies in meta-analyses, and writing code for statistical analysis. However, the increasing use of AI also raises ethical questions: How reliable are AI-assisted coding methods? How can AI contribute to open science efforts by improving transparency and replicability in research syntheses? And, how can AI be used to extend, but not replace, researcher expertise?
This workshop will introduce participants to practical strategies for integrating AI into applied linguistics research. Using examples from recent empirical studies, we will explore how AI can support qualitative coding, automate the extraction and classification of variables for meta-analysis, and assist with statistical tasks such as regression modeling and data visualization. Participants will leave with concrete examples, prompt suggestions, and a chance to reflect on how AI can be used responsibly and effectively in applied linguistics research.
Bio: Lara Bryfonski is an applied linguist and associate professor at Georgetown University where she researches second language acquisition and language teaching with a special focus on task-based language teaching (TBLT) and teacher education. She is PI of a STARTALK program on TBLT that supports teachers and learners of Arabic, Chinese, Korean, and Russian. Her 2024 book with Alison Mackey is The Art and Science of Language Teaching (Cambridge University Press).
Using AI tools for study screening in meta research: A hands-on workshop
Dr. Bronson Hui, University of Maryland, College Park
3:45–5:15 PM May 8, 2026
Meta-research, including meta-analyses and (methodological) systematic reviews, have been a popular approach to summarize and synthesize the literature in second language acquisition research. However, the review process is very resource-intensive and prone to human errors. With the advance of AI, tools are available for researchers to facilitate the process. In this workshop, I will offer step-by-step guidance on how to incorporate an AI tool into the study screening. I will cover the essential steps, including the preparation of the data set, the import of the data set, the labeling of the study as relevant or irrelevant (for inclusion or not), as well as the saving of the results for the researcher's record and sharing for transparency in the spirit of open science. In addition, I will address essential factors to consider in the AI-aided screening process, such as stopping rules. An overall goal is to contribute to advancing and promoting meta-research in SLA by facilitating the screening process in the era of AI.
Bio: Bronson Hui is Assistant Professor of Second Language Acquisition at University of Maryland. He earned his doctorate from Michigan State University. He currently teaches and carries out research in areas such as instructed second language acquisition focusing on vocabulary learning and multimodal input, as well as quantitative research methods. His work has appeared in journals, such as Studies in Second Language Acquisition, Language Learning, The Modern Language Journal, among other venues. He also serves as associate editor for Digital Studies in Language and Literature and on a number of editorial boards, including Studies in Second Language Acquisition (2024-2026), TESOL Quarterly (2023-2025), and Language Learning & Technology (2025-2027).