Tsai’s research interests revolve around finding ways to simultaneously support and assess second language reading-to-learn skills. Reading-to-learn entails learning new material through critically engaging with text content. For example, engaging with content might involve evaluating, classifying, and comparing information from the text with what they already know, and applying what they learn to new situations. In particular, Tsai is interested in the role of prior knowledge in supporting Japanese learners’ higher order thinking as they engage with texts on critical issues in Japanese culture.

Click here to read a full list of the awardees. The School of Modern Languages is a unit of the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts.