My research focuses on three main clusters: linguistic diversity, language teacher education, and English language teaching. I often use complex systems theory and ecological theory as a ‘connective tissue’ to bring these together. On this page, you can read more about the research projects that I have taken part in, or in which I am currently working.
Linguistic diversity
I am interested in all the ways in which the human experience is shaped by linguistic diversity. These include plurilingualism, language contact, language policies in families and schools, and more. The fundamental premises of my research are (a) that linguistic diversity is ubiquitous and desirable, and (b) that language choices are often shaped by unjust practices. A thread that runs through my research involves issues such as epistemic justice and linguistic hegemony.
Linguistic diversity is ubiquitous and desirable
Language teacher education
I strongly believe that teachers are the most valuable resource in our education system. That is why a lot of my research and teaching activity focuses on empowering teachers. Some of the ways in which I have tried to do this are:
- Increasing the research literacy of teachers, including their ability to research their classes and theorise their practice
- Understanding and strengthening their psychological resources, including especially resilience
- Broadening the theoretical background on which teaching practice is based
English language teaching
My first job in education was as an English language teacher, and this is still a topic that is close to my heart. This means that I am often concerned with what I perceive as less effective practices and with ways to improve the learners’ educational experience in English Language Teaching. This has led to involvement in a variety of topics, such as Teaching English to Young Learners, English as a lingua franca (ELF), Content and Language Integrated Instruction (CLIL) and translanguaging in education.
