Dan is a senior researcher at the British Council, specialising in education technology, language learning, and assessment. With extensive experience in leading international research projects focused on technology-enhanced learning, Dan’s work has explored the use of digital tools in language acquisition, mobile-assisted language learning (MALL), cultural impacts on learning, and informal education. Her research interests lie at the intersection of education technology, student engagement, and innovative pedagogies, aiming at enhancing learning experiences and outcomes in diverse cultural settings.  

Areas of expertise

  • Educational technology 
  • Computer-assisted language learning (CALL) 
  • Multilingualism & intercultural communication 
  • Innovative pedagogies

Publications

Osorio-Saez, E.M., Eryilmaz, N., Sandoval-Hernandez, A., et al., 2021. Survey data on the impact of COVID-19 on parental engagement across 23 countries. Data in Brief [Online], 35, p.106813. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dib.2021.106813. 

Govaerts.,F., Yan, R., Boukhari, S., Zhao, D., 2022. FIRST® LEGO® League: an exploratory inductive inquiry - impact and interaction. Available from: https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.24299.62246 

Sandoval-Hernandez, A., Zhao, D., Chen, Z. and Eryilmaz, N., 2023. The Association Between Educational Systems and Reading Literacy Performance in PISA Across Asia-Pacific Region and Countries. International Handbook on Education Development in Asia-Pacific [Online], pp.1–15. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-2327-1_26-1. 

Zhao, D., Jablonkai, R.R., Sandoval-Hernandez, A., 2024. Enhancing willingness to communicate in English among Chinese Students in the UK: The impact of MALL with Duolingo and HelloTalk. (Wang, L., & Mei, F., Eds) Online Technologies for Language Learning and Teaching. Journal of China Computer-Assisted Language Learning. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1515/jccall-2023-0027.  

McKinley, J., Li, W., Zhao, D., Zhang, Y. & Duan, J., forthcoming. Language Teacher Agency in Implementing CLIL Teaching Practice: A Case Study of Safety and Health Course in Primary Schools of Chongqing. A report by UCL and Chongqing High-tech Zone Research Group in collaboration with the British Council in China. 

McKinley, J., Li, W., Zhao, D., forthcoming. Positive CLIL implementation in Chinese primary school EFL Classrooms. System. 

McKinley, J., Zhao, D., Li, W., forthcoming. Multilayer institutional support to enhance CLIL Implementation. System. 

Zhao, D., & Gil Ortega, M., forthcoming. Navigating Linguistic Diversity in a Virtual Study Abroad Context: FeedbackFruits for Peer Review in a part-time MA Education Programme in the UK. Journal of the European Second Language Association. 

Zhao, D., & Jia, M., forthcoming. Emergent Vernacular in Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas: A Study of Communication Patterns in League of Legends. World Leisure Journal. 

Education

  • PhD, Applied Linguistics, University of Bath, 2023 
  • MA, International Education and Globalisation, University of Bath, 2017 
  • MA, Translation Studies, Durham University, 2012 
  • BA, Language and Communication, University of Essex, 2011 
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