About
 

The Centre for Educational Research on Languages and Literacies (CERLL) formerly known as the Modern Language Centre (MLC), is a sub-unit of the Department of Curriculum, Teaching and Learning. The MLC was officially opened in 1968, with Professor H.H. Stern as its first Head.  Professor Merrill Swain was its second Head from 1981 to 1990.  Professor Sharon Lapkin served as Head of the MLC for 1991, 1998-99, and 2005-06, and Professor Jim Cummins for the 1992-1993 academic year.  Professor Alister Cumming has been the Head of the MLC since 1993.  The change in name of the Centre was decided upon to better reflect the focus of the activities and research conducted by CERLL faculty and students.
 
As one of a dozen research centres at OISE, combining theory, research and practice, the MLC has hoped to "contribute to the improvement of language teaching in the educational system" (Stern, CMLR, 1969).  Today, the Centre for Educational Research on Languages and Literacies is renowned for its contributions to the field of language learning, teaching, curriculum, and policy covering many different areas of study: French immersion, ESL, heritage languages, bilingualism, curriculum development and evaluation, education in indigenous languages, literacy, policy analyses, materials development, pre-school language programs and many others.