Education information

Current research
 
I am a doctoral researcher in the Doctoral Programme in Language Studies (HELSLANG). My research is titled “Exploring the Role of Virtual Reality in Language Learning through Simulated Classrooms and AI Chatbots: Enhancing Multilingual Identity and Intercultural Competence in Finnish Secondary Schools.”
 
My experience in teaching English in multilingual primary schools and immersion programs sparked my interest in using immersive technology in language learning as a pedagogical tool. In my current study, I aim to explore the use of Virtual Reality (VR) as an educational tool to support English language learning while promoting awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity among lower secondary students in Finland. 
 
Grant
EDUFI fellowship – Finnish National Agency for Education

Education/Academic qualification

Applied Linguistics, MA in English Language Teaching (ELT), The Impact of Instructional Programs on Young Learners’ English Pronunciation

Research output

The Effect of L2 Input on Young Learners’ Pronunciation Performance in English
Keshavarz, M. H. & Keshavarz, A., 2022, In: Mextesol journal. 46, 3, 2022
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Scientific › peer-review

Abstract
There is no dearth of studies on pronunciation problems of students of English as a Foreign Language (EFL); however, research on pronunciation problems of young learners is scarce. Therefore, to fill this research gap, the present quasi-experimental study aimed at investigating the effect of L2 input on the pronunciation performance of young learners in English. To this end, two groups of primary school learners were recruited as the study participants. Both groups were of the same age (10 years old), and they were all native speakers of Turkish. Group A’s exposure to English was somewhat restricted since their education was exclusively in Turkish, while Group B received a great deal of input through an immersion program. Data were collected using a pictorial pronunciation test. The analysis of the data shows that Group B participants far outperformed Group A students. Everything being equal, this could be interpreted as the result of greater exposure Group B participants had to English through the immersion program they were following. Thus, it can be concluded that by increasing the amount of learners’ input, language acquisition, in general, and pronunciation performance, in particular, can be facilitated.

Projects

Exploring the Role of Virtual Reality in Language Learning through Simulated Classrooms and AI Chatbots: Enhancing Multilingual Identity and Intercultural Competence in Finnish Secondary Schools
Keshavarz, A. (Project manager),
Hynninen, N. (Principal Investigator),
Tanskanen, S.-K. (Co-Principal Investigator) &
Hahl, K. (Co-Principal Investigator)

Project: Doctoral research project
01/08/2024 → 31/07/2028

Activities

Nordic Network of Intercultural Communication (NIC) 2025 Conference
Keshavarz, A. (Speaker: Chair) 13 Aug 2025
Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Organisation and participation in conferences, workshops, courses, seminars

VR Language Learning through Simulated Classrooms and AI Chatbots
Keshavarz, A. (Speaker) 2 Jun 2025
Kielentutkimuksen tohtoriohjelman (HELSLANG) kesäkonferenssi – HELSLANG sommarkonferens – HELSLANG Summer Conference 2025
Activity: Talk or presentation types › Oral presentation

Exploring the Role of Virtual Reality in Language Learning through Simulated Classrooms and AI Chatbots: Enhancing Multilingual Identity and Intercultural Competence in Finnish Secondary Schools
Keshavarz, A. (Speaker) 13 Aug 2025
Nordic Network of Intercultural Communication (NIC) 2025 Conference : Evolutions in intercultural communication: New concepts and methodologies
Activity: Talk or presentation types › Oral presentation

The effectiveness of immersion programs in improving the pronunciation of young learners of English
Keshavarz, A. (Speaker) 6 Sept 2018
International Conference on Language, Education and Culture (ICLEC)
Activity: Talk or presentation types › Oral presentation

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