Scope and Focus

TESOL Today publishes groundbreaking research in all aspects of teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). Published bi-annually by EngiScience Publisher, it is an international, multidisciplinary, double-blind peer-reviewed, open-access journal. TESOL Today strives to encompass the full spectrum of TESOL research. Our open access policy ensures your research receives the attention it deserves, making it immediately available to anyone, anywhere, at any time. Article-Level Metrics allow authors to track the impact and discussions generated by their work.

Journal Sections

Articles: This section hosts original research articles offering significant scientific advancements in TESOL. Manuscripts should present comprehensive studies with solid conclusions supported by the results. Submissions are accepted as full-length articles (8000 words) with an abstract not exceeding 200 words. Original research articles should include at least eight sections: title, abstract, introduction, materials and methods, results, discussion, conclusion, and limitations.

Review Articles: Review articles offer an exhaustive survey and critique of specific areas within TESOL. These submissions, not exceeding 8000 words, should critically assess cited works, address literature discrepancies, and analyze the field. The conclusion should detail the current knowledge limits, future research directions, and the subject's overall significance in TESOL. Reviews should contain a title, abstract, introduction, topics (with headings and subheadings), conclusions, and an outlook.

Section Policies

Articles: The primary publication type produced, focusing on peer-reviewed original research.

• Peer-Reviewed
• Indexed
• Open Submission

Review Articles: Critical analyses of literature in a specific field, summarizing, classifying, and comparing existing research.

• Peer-Reviewed
• Indexed
• Open Submission

Double-Blind Peer-Review Policies

TESOL Today adheres to a rigorous double-blind peer-review policy to ensure the fairness and integrity of the scholarly publishing process. This policy requires that both the reviewers and the authors remain anonymous to each other throughout the review process. Below are the key components of our double-blind peer-review policies:

1. Submission Anonymity: Authors are required to submit manuscripts without any identifying information, such as names, affiliations, or any personal acknowledgments that may reveal their identity to reviewers.

2. Reviewer Anonymity: Similarly, reviewers' identities are kept confidential from the authors throughout the review process. The managing editorial staff will facilitate all communications between authors and reviewers.

3. Preparation of Manuscripts: Authors must ensure that their manuscripts are prepared in a way that does not give away their identity. This includes the omission of any self-citations that are not absolutely necessary or using third-person references to their previous work.

4. Reviewer Selection: Reviewers are selected based on their expertise, objectivity, and absence of conflict of interest. Potential reviewers are required to disclose any conflicts of interest that might affect their review of a manuscript.

5. Review Process:

   • Each manuscript is initially assessed by the editorial team for its alignment with the journal's scope and basic submission standards.
   • Manuscripts that pass this initial assessment are then assigned to at least two independent reviewers who are experts in the pertinent subject area.
   • Reviewers are asked to evaluate the manuscript based on originality, methodological rigor, clarity of presentation, and contribution to the field, and to provide constructive feedback and a recommendation for the manuscript’s disposition (e.g., accept, revise, or reject).

6. Decision Making: The final decision on the manuscript is made by the Editor-in-Chief or an appointed associate editor based on the reviewers’ reports and recommendations. This decision is then communicated to the authors along with any reviewer comments.

7. Appeals: Authors have the right to appeal editorial decisions by providing a detailed justification for reconsideration. Appeals are reviewed by an independent panel or a senior member of the editorial board.

8. Confidentiality: All aspects of the review process are strictly confidential. Reviewers are specifically instructed not to share any part of the manuscript during or after the review process without explicit permission from the journal.

By adhering to these double-blind peer-review policies, TESOL Today aims to maintain the highest standards of impartiality and transparency in its publication process, fostering a trustworthy and respectful environment for authors and reviewers alike.

Generally, the review process in TESOL Today follows a step-by-step procedure from submission to publication, as shown in the chart below:

Publication Frequency

TESOL Today is published twice a year. Accepted papers are immediately published online. It features an e-publication model, with issues in June and December, ensuring timely dissemination of research. Manuscripts accepted prior to the normal issue period (June and December) will be published as 'Articles in Press,' available online and indexed.

Reviewer's Guidelines

Submissions undergo a double-blind peer review, keeping both author and reviewer identities confidential to ensure unbiased manuscript evaluations. Reviewers are expected to:

• Respond to manuscript review invitations within 2 weeks.
• Access and submit reviews online, providing a final decision (e.g., Accept, Decline, Accept with revisions).

Reviewers evaluate manuscripts based on originality, methodological rigor, result interpretation, and linguistic clarity. Any potential conflict of interest should be disclosed to the editors.

Article Processing Charges (APC)

TESOL Today offers immediate, worldwide, barrier-free access to its articles without subscription or article processing charges (APC).

Plagiarism Check

To maintain academic integrity, TESOL Today utilizes plagiarism detection software. Manuscripts with a plagiarism score below 20% proceed to peer review.

Journal Publishing Agreement

Authors must understand and complete the Journal Publishing Agreement post-acceptance, outlining the rights and responsibilities of both parties. This agreement, necessary for publication, confirms copyright transfer and asserts the work's originality and non-infringement of third-party rights.

Journal History

TESOL Today commenced its publication journey on June 23, 2024, aiming to bridge gaps and foster innovation within the TESOL community.