Using Keywords and Key N-Grams
to Evaluate North American Applied Linguistics Programs
My research partner and fellow PhD student, Joe Geluso, and I are currently working on helping future PhD candidates evaluate different applied linguistics programs by using keywords and key n-grams based on professors' published research.
This has also led to research into the nature of applied linguistics: how it has developed as an interdisciplinary field; what
distinguishes it from theoretical linguistics; and potential for future growth.
For more information on this project, to view our initial results, or to see where we will be presenting our research,
please visit our web page by clicking on the link below.
This has also led to research into the nature of applied linguistics: how it has developed as an interdisciplinary field; what
distinguishes it from theoretical linguistics; and potential for future growth.
For more information on this project, to view our initial results, or to see where we will be presenting our research,
please visit our web page by clicking on the link below.
Developing a Diagnostic Test of English Grammar
My dissertation research uses evidence centered design to develop a diagnostic test of English Grammar for use in the classroom. The test being designed attempts to incorporate two different aspects of diagnostics. The first is identifying what students have trouble with, as well as what they do well. This aspect is frequently the focus of research in diagnostic assessment generally. An aspect of diagnostic assessment that is less well-studied is why students are having problems with certain areas, which is a major aspect of this study. The test makes use of systemic functional linguistics (SFL) in order to help explore this idea.
Error Analysis Using Systemic Functional Linguistics
As part of my dissertation research, I am developing a coding system using systemic functional linguistics (SFL) to identify specific learner patterns of errors in their writing. This study focuses especially on verbs as being a particularly salient problem for learners that greatly affects a learner's ability to communicate effectively. This part of the study also takes advantage of corpus linguistics.
Semantic Prosody and Semantic Preference
One area of applied linguistics that allows me to dive a little more into my earlier work and education experience in drama and English literature is in semantic prosody and preference. I am currently preparing a research paper doing a diachronic analysis of two terms that are similar in meaning to see if they have different usage based on preference or prosody: "ex-" and "former".
To learn more about semantic preference and prosody, or to see some results, please click on the link below.
To learn more about semantic preference and prosody, or to see some results, please click on the link below.
ESP Courses for Cosmetologists
(including Hairstylists, Beauticians, and Nail Technicians)
For various reasons, there is an apparent increase in immigrant women making careers in the salon and spa industry throughout North America. Though these women represent a possible vulnerable population, little research has been done into language training for them, nor into how a lack of language skills may affect their future success. I have therefore taken an interest in their situation, and would like to pursue this area in future research.
To see my initial exploration of ESP courses for cosmetologists, please click on the link below.
To see my initial exploration of ESP courses for cosmetologists, please click on the link below.