Advancing Innovation in Language Education: Dr Cristina González Ruiz Awarded PhD

Dr Cristina González Ruiz, Senior Lecturer and Spanish Language Coordinator at NTU's Centre for Modern Languages, has been awarded a PhD in Applied Linguistics to Language Teaching from Universidad Nebrija, Spain, graduating with the highest distinction, Cum Laude.

Her doctoral thesis, BreakoutEdu as a Pedagogical Strategy to Enhance Self-Efficacy, Achievement Emotions, and Spanish L2 Learning in Higher Education, examines how the use of BreakoutEdu can strengthen university students' confidence, emotional engagement and Spanish language learning. The research contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting innovative teaching approaches in higher education.

"My goal is to translate research into teaching practices that make language learning more engaging, effective, and emotionally supportive," said Dr Cristina González Ruiz.