Get to know Alexandra
Alexandra is a PhD student in the Applied Linguistics Concentration within the Linguistics Department at Georgetown University. Her current research interests include Second Language Acquisition (SLA), Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL), language learner and teacher Individual Differences (IDs), second language learning aptitude, and anxiety in connection with language learning and teaching.
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She holds a Master's of Arts from the National University of Ireland, Maynooth in Applied Linguistics and Intercultural Studies and a Bachelor's of Arts from Newcastle University in English Language and Literature.
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Alexandra is currently working on a research project examining language aptitude and its connection to executive functioning, as well as testing the reliability of the LLAMA aptitdue test battery.
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Education
August 2020 -
PhD in Linguistics, Georgetown University
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Advisor(s): Prof. Alison Mackey, Dr. Lara Bryfonski
Research Focus: SLA, Individual Differences, language aptitude
September 2019 - March 2021
MA in Applied Linguistics and Intercultural Studies, Maynooth University
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Advisor(s): Dr. Clive Earls
Thesis: Language Aptitude as an Improvable Attribute – Developing Everyday Tasks to Improve Aptitude for Foreign Language Learning
September 2016 - July 2019
Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature, Newcastle University
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Advisor(s): Prof. Martha Young-Scholten
Thesis: Examining the Accuracy of the Modern Language Aptitude Test: A Comparison of MLAT results of English L2ers in Germany and their L2 Comprehension Reaction Times
Teaching Experience
January 2022 -Â May 2022
Teaching Associate for LING001: Introduction to Language
Georgetown University Linguistics Department
August 2021 -Â December 2021
Teaching Assistant for LING001: Introduction to Language
Georgetown University Linguistics Department
February 2021 - August 2021
Private German Tutor for elementary school students of minority languages in Germany
October 2016 – June 2019
German Language Advisor, Taster-Session Teacher, and Conversation Group Leader
Language Resource Centre, Newcastle University
Skills
Data Analysis
Alexandra has successfully completed data analysis classes at graduate level. She is able to analyse quantitative data using SPSS, R, JASP, Excel, and jamovi.
Foreign Language Fluency
Alexandra is fluent in English and German. She has studied Classical Latin for 6 years and can hold elementary-level conversations in French.
UI Design
Together with a colleague from the GU-HLT working group, Alexandra has designed a chatbot in the retail category winning the Botmock V2 Template Design Challenge in 2021.
Publications
Conference Presentation
Gehrke, A. I. (2019, December 14-15). Examining the Accuracy of the Modern Language Aptitude Test: A Comparison of MLAT results of English L2ers in Germany and their L2 Comprehension Reaction Times [Poster Presentation]. 1st International Conference on Multilingual and Multicultural Learning: Policies and Practices, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
Contact
Address mail to :
Alexandra Gehrke
Poulton Hall 240, 1421 37th Street., N.W.
Washington, DC 20057-1051
United States
