Shanshan He, MPEd, MA
Curriculum Studies and Studies in Applied Linguistics
Master of Professional Education in TESOL (Western University), Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics (Western University)
Shanshan He, MPEd, MA
Curriculum Studies and Studies in Applied Linguistics
Master of Professional Education in TESOL (Western University), Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics (Western University)
I am a third-year Ph.D. candidate in Applied Linguistics at Western University. My research primarily focuses on technology-assisted language assessment and its pedagogical implication on language learning.
I grew up in China, where many students, including myself, face challenges in learning English and passing proficiency exams. My dedication to language learning inspired me to pursue a B.A. in English from Tianjin Foreign Studies University. As a lifelong learner and teacher of English, I have designed and implemented courses to help learners in China enhance their listening and speaking skills.
Influenced by these lived experiences, I continued my journey on TESOL at Western University, where I found my passion for research in language assessment. During my MA stage, I conducted several research projects on language assessment and computer-assisted language learning (CALL) with my supervisor (Dr. Ruslan Suvorov), and published research articles collaboratively and individually. My MA research explored the use of interactive videos (i.e., videos with questions embedded at certain intervals in the video playback) in second language listening tests. This MA thesis won the 2023 Caroline Clapham IELTS Award.
For my Ph.D. study, I continue exploring diverse topics in second language assessment, focusing on technology-driven approaches. Currently, I am collaborating with colleagues on a research synthesis exploring test preparation as part of washback effects.
Ruslan Suvorov, PhD
Supervisor
Course Work Completed
- Ph.D. Seminar
- Ph.D. Independent Read and Research
- Multilevel Modeling
- Intro to Data Management and Linear Modeling Using R
- Approaches to Education Research
- Intro to Quantitative Research Methods
- Advanced Quantitative Research Methods
- Special Topics: Curriculum, Contemporary Approaches to Pedagogy
- Computer-Assisted Language Learning
- Second Language Assessment
- Language Teacher Education
- Social Approaches to Language
- Teaching & Learning Grammar
- Teaching Pronunciation
- Teaching the four skills
- Teaching & Learning Vocabulary
- Understanding Second Language
Awards
- Graduate Excellence in Teaching Award, Western University, Faculty of Education (9309 Second Language Assessment)
- 2023 Caroline Clapham IELTS Masters Award (3000 GBP)
Conferences Attended
Sénécal, A., Standfield, L., He, S., & Suvorov, R. (2024, April). A systematic review of the methodological aspects of studies on L2 test preparation. Paper presented at Language Assessment Research Conference (LARC), Provo, UT, USA.
Li, Z., Suvorov, R., He, S., & Kriukova, O. (2023, June). Using interactive videos for assessing L2 listening: The effects of delivery modes and item formats. Paper presented at the European Association for Language Testing and Assessment (EALTA), Helsinki, Finland.
Suvorov, R., Li, Z., Kriukova, O., & He, S. (2023, May). Interactive videos for the IELTS Listening test: What can test-takers’ response processes tell us? Paper presented at the Canadian Association of Applied Linguistics (CAAL/ACLA) Annual Conference, Toronto, Canada.
He, S., & Suvorov, R. (2023, March). Harnessing interactive videos for L2 listening assessment. Paper accepted as part of the colloquium titled "Digital-first language environments for learning, assessment, and workforce: what, why, and how?" at the 2023 American Association for Applied Linguistics (AAAL) Conference, Portland, OR.
He, S. (2022, October). Using and evaluating interactive videos in and outside of English learning classrooms: Theory and course design. Poster presented at the 2022 Technology for Second Language Learning (TSLL) Conference, Ames, IA (Hybrid).
Suvorov, R., & He, S. (2022, September). A systematic review of research on the use of visuals in L2 listening assessment. Paper presented at the LARC/MwALT/ECOLT Conference, Chicago, IL.
He, S. (2022, March). Exploring the use of interactive videos in L2 listening tests: A mixed methods study. Paper presented at the Symposium on Second Language Learning, London, Canada.
Suvorov, R., & He, S. (2021, October). Methodological synthesis of research on visuals in L2 listening assessment. Paper presented at the Midwest Association of Language Testers (MwALT) Conference, Ames, IA (online).
He, S. (2021, March). Embracing multimedia for second language (L2) listening instruction and assessment. Paper presented at Robert MacMillan Graduate Symposium in Education (RMSE), London, Canada (online).
Publications
He, S., Sénécal, A.-M., Stansfield, L., & Suvorov, R. (2025). A scoping review of research on second language test preparation. Language Testing, 42(1), 11–47. https://doi.org/10.1177/02655322241249754
He, S. (2022). [Review of the book Digital games and language learning: Theory, development and implementation, by M. Peterson, K. Yamazaki, and M. Thomas]. Language Learning & Technology, 26(1), 1–4. http://hdl.handle.net/10125/73459
Suvorov, R., & He, S. (2022). Visuals in the assessment and testing of second language listening: A methodological synthesis. International Journal of Listening, 36(2), 80–99. https://doi.org/10.1080/10904018.2021.1941028
