Research
My research interests lie primarily in language teaching and learning, with a particular focus on methodologies and pedagogical approaches that enhance both learner outcomes and teacher development. My doctoral research centred on the development of pragmatic competence in learners of Spanish as a foreign language, exploring the effectiveness of corpus-based materials and a data-driven learning (DDL) approach. This work contributed to a better understanding of how authentic language use and learner autonomy can be fostered through corpus-informed pedagogies.
In addition to my work on learner-centered instruction, I am deeply interested in the role of action research as a tool for promoting reflective practice, teacher agency, and sustained professional development. I see action research not only as a method for improving classroom practice, but also as a powerful framework for bridging the gap between theory and practice in teacher education.
My most recent research project explores teacher training and professional experiences in relation to Heritage Language (HL) learners. Specifically, it investigates educators' attitudes, preparedness, and pedagogical strategies when working with HL students in both formal and informal educational settings. This project aims to shed light on the specific challenges and opportunities involved in integrating HL learners into mainstream language programmes, with the broader goal of informing inclusive and responsive teacher education practices.