Background

Introduction

I have been at Newcastle since 1990, initially in the Language Centre, where I was director of the MA in Media Technology for TESOL, and taught on the in-sessional, pre-sessional and foundation English language and study skills courses. I moved to the School of Education in 2000 where I was Head of the Applied Linguistics and TESOL Section from 2003 to 2009. I taught at the University of Lancaster from 1979 until moving to Newcastle. I have also taught in Finland, at the University of Bucharest, and at Klagenfurt University in Austria, as well as at secondary level in England.

Roles and Responsibilities

Chair of the Board of Examiners for the MA in Applied Linguistics and TESOL
Chair of the Board of Examiners for the MA degrees in Cross-Cultural Communications
Admissions Tutor for the MA in Applied Linguistics and TESOL

Qualifications

MSc Applied Linguistics - University of Edinburgh
PGCE TEFL - University of London, Institute of Education
BA Honours French, Spanish - University of Birmingham

Previous Positions

University of Lancaster, Institute for English Language Education - Teaching Fellow
University of London, Institute of Education
Research Associate in Communicative Language Learning
University of Lancaster, Institute for English Language Education - Research Assistant in self-access learning.
University for the Educational Sciences, Klagenfurt, Austria - Lecturer
University of Bucharest, Romania - Lecturer
Twyford Comprehensive School, Acton, London Teacher of English and French.
Pohjolan Voima Oy, Kemi, Finland. British Council-recruited teacher of English in a hydro-electric power company.

Research

Research Interests

Computer-Assisted Language Learning; The use of the internet and multimedia for language learning; Teacher training - especially using technology to train teachers, or training teachers to use technology; Autonomous learning; Language testing

Current Work

Computer-Assisted Language Learning; The use of the internet and multimedia for language learning; Teacher training - especially using technology to train teachers, or training teachers to use technology;

Postgraduate Supervision

RESEARCH PHDs - In progress
Laila Rumsey
Shedding Light on the Predictive Validity of an Institutional Placement Test in Predicting Success in Subject Areas other than English Language.
Fred Wu
A study of the construction and validation of rating scales simultaneous interpretation assessment: what raters really pay attention to.
Rola Naeb
The application of second-language acquisition theories to the design of CALL materials: three approaches to teaching grammar
RESEARCH PHDs - Completed
Josephine Pei-Lun Kao
Fostering Foreign Language Learning Among Less Successful Learners: Exploring The Role Of Self-Directed Multimedia Learning Environment
Dr. Kelly Cheng-yi Chang
The relationship between individual learning styles and learning strategies in electronic materials for practicing EFL listening.
Dr. Mihye Harker
The Linguistic Proficiency of Korean English Teachers: an investigation of self-assessment procedures and self-directed learning tasks using video
Dr. Eddy Moran
The Relationship Between Metacognitive Knowledge Of Learning English As A Foreign Language And Learning Behaviour In AÂ Vocabulary Learning Call Program
Dr. Wafa Al-Muzaiel
Using computers in the language classroom: The effects of computer-based exercises on students' strategies and attitudes, and the effects of computer-based training on teachers' attitudes.
Dr. Koichi Kusama
The Bilingual Method in CALL Software: the Role of L1 in CALL Software for Reading
Dr. Chung-Hyun Lee
The Use of Media Technology in Foreign Language Teaching and Learning at University Level: A Study of teachers' attitudes in Korea
INTEGRATED PHDs - In progress
Khaled El-Ebyary
Computer-Based Feedback On Students' Written Work: The Washback Impact On Students And On Formative Assessment Practices
Erin Bidlake
CALL and autonomous learning : case-studies at the intersection of CALL and SILL
Heejin Chang
The development of collaborative learning practices in an online language course
Ali Al-Shahrani
The use of e-portfolios in an EFL writing class
INTEGRATED PHDs - Completed
Dr. Navaporn Sanprasert
Using a computer-based content management system to encourage autonomous learning in an English language course
Dr. Ali Elmojahed
The Impact of Using Authentic Written Texts on Teaching Reading in EFL at English Departments in Libyan Universities.
Dr. Dongyue Liu
An investigation of self-reported EFL learning strategy use and six factors affecting their use among a group of Chinese Technological Institute English majors.
RESEARCH PHDs - Unfinished
Porntip Bodeepongse
A reflective approach to training Thai teachers to use computer-assisted language learning.

Esteem Indicators

Making decisions about CALL: choosing and using technology for language learning Keynote talk given at the GLOCALL Conference, Hanoi and Ho-Chi Minh City November 2007
ICT in ELT Keynote talk given at the British Council Teachers’ Conference, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, January 2005

Teaching

Postgraduate Teaching

ALT8006 Computer-Assisted Language Learning 1
ALT8007 Computer-Assisted Language Learning 2
ALT8041 TESOL Theory and Practice
ALT8001 Research Methods in Applied Linguistics

Publications