About me
About Omid Kalantar
I am an English language teacher educator and researcher at the National University of Education (UNAE) in Ecuador, where I have worked since 2022. My work focuses on applied linguistics, language teacher education, and the psychological and educational factors that shape language learning.
I hold a Master’s degree in English Studies, with a background in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). At UNAE, I teach undergraduate and postgraduate courses related to applied linguistics, language learning theories, research methodology, and quantitative and qualitative research in language education. My teaching draws on active learning, collaborative work, and practical research activities that connect theoretical concepts with educational practice.
Research Interests
My research examines how psychological, pedagogical, and instructional factors influence language learning and teacher education. My main areas of interest include:
Psychology of language learning: learner shyness, foreign language enjoyment, anxiety, self-efficacy, and willingness to communicate.
Language teacher education: the preparation of future English teachers and the relationship between teacher education curricula and classroom practice.
English-medium instruction (EMI): the challenges of learning academic content through English and the development of effective instructional approaches.
Research methodology and measurement: questionnaire development, psychometric validation, and quantitative and qualitative approaches to language education research.
I am particularly interested in research that connects theoretical explanations of language learning with measurable educational outcomes and practical improvements in teaching.
Publications and Research
I have published research on learner shyness in EFL classrooms, EFL learner speaking self-efficacy and willingness to communicate, English proficiency assessment, language teacher education, teacher education using English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI), and related topics in language learning and teaching. My work includes independently authored quantitative studies and collaborative research using quantitative and mixed-methods approaches. Alongside journal publications, I have developed educational materials and authored textbooks for language teaching and learning. These projects reflect my interest in connecting research with the design of practical resources for English language education.
My teaching and academic work involve preparing future English teachers, supervising undergraduate research, participating in thesis evaluation, and contributing to collaborative research activities. I am interested in teaching approaches that encourage students to engage actively with academic content, evaluate evidence, and apply theoretical knowledge to educational problems.
I also participate in professional activities related to English language teaching and teacher research, including academic reviewing and research collaboration.
I welcome opportunities for research collaboration, academic exchange, and discussion of projects related to applied linguistics, language teacher education, learner psychology, and research methodology.
You can explore my publications and teaching materials through this website and consult my academic profiles through the links below for further information about my research.