Josianne Block is a Senior Teaching Associate at the Centre for Academic Literacies and English Communication Skills (CALECS) at the University of Malta. She lectures on the Centre’s Communication and Academic Skills Programme, where she helps students to establish a confident academic voice, think critically, and communicate effectively through writing and presenting.
Josianne’s English Language Teaching (ELT) journey began in 2013, teaching General English and GCSE courses in various private and state secondary schools. Her dedication to teaching later led her to the International Learners’ Directorate (formerly the Migrant Learners’ Unit), where she taught English and Maltese as Foreign Languages to teenage and adult migrants as part of an integration programme. At the time, she was also teaching part-time academic writing courses at a post-secondary institution, trying to broaden her teaching experience.
Pursuing a Master’s degree in Applied Linguistics and TESOL was a pivotal moment in Josianne’s career. The programme not only deepened her understanding of the global ELT landscape but also ignited her passion for academia, particularly in research. Her master’s dissertation explored translanguaging strategies among adolescent migrant learners, reflecting her keen interest in multilingual contexts and the glocalization of English. Beyond this, Josianne’s research interests include practitioner research and teacher development. She gravitates towards qualitative methodologies, as she appreciates more subjective and nuanced interpretations.
With a strong affinity for writing, Josianne is also the co-editor of the IATEFL Research SIG newsletter, where she enjoys combining her linguistic expertise with her editorial shrewdness. She has delivered engaging talks and workshops at both local and international conferences, sharing her experiences with the wider ELT and academic community.
Outside of her professional life, Josianne is an avid traveller who finds inspiration in exploring new cultures and visiting museums. She also enjoys running, a hobby that may not win her races but keeps her grounded and active for a balanced and healthier lifestyle.
The opinions and statements expressed in this website do not necessarily reflect the view of the University of Malta.
Josianne Block 