Leila Ranta

Leila Ranta, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Education. Her work focuses on second language acquisition (SLA), language pedagogy, and bilingualism. She teaches courses like EDPY 417 (Grammar of English for EAL Teachers) and explores intersections between SLA theory and classroom practices. She co-edits the Language Awareness journal and serves on the executive committee of the Association for Language Awareness (ALA).

Her research investigates form-focused instruction, teachers’ corrective feedback, and the role of analytic aptitude in language learning. She leads a SSHRC-funded study on international graduate students’ language exposure and advises the Visiting Students Certificate Program (VSCP). Recent courses include EDPY 581 (Bilingualism) and EDPY 588 (Teaching English as an International Language), addressing global language dynamics and non-Western educational contexts.

Key publications include influential works on corrective feedback (1997) and form-focused instruction (2018). Her work bridges theory and practice, emphasizing evidence-based approaches to language teaching. She has advised numerous graduate students and contributes to curriculum development in TESL programs.