Dr Laura Grassick

My research interest lies in English language curriculum change; the relationships involved in how people make sense of a new curriculum and how the social and emotional dimensions of change influence actual implementation. Related to this I am also interested in second language teacher education and how approaches to teacher professional development can support innovation in curriculum and pedagogy.

I have a particular interest in Vietnam and much of my research has been with English language teachers and teacher educators in Hanoi and surrounding provinces. Prior to joining the University of Leeds, I worked for many years in Hanoi as a Language Education Project Manager with the British Council. This helped me to build networks with a range of stakeholders.

Currently I am leading a British Council-funded research project on 'Exploring Culturally Responsive Pedagogies'. This involves supporting English language teachers in mountainous regions in northern Vietnam to develop classroom strategies and activities to motivate and engage their learners from ethnic minority groups. We are working with partners in Vietnam National University and University New South Wales, Sydney.