Research Assistantship in German Applied Linguistics
The PhD program in German in the Department of Germanic and Slavic Studies at the University of Waterloo invites applications for a PhD research assistantship/scholarship as part of the project “Scaffolding and individualized instruction in computer-assisted language learning” funded through the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. The research assistantship/scholarship is valued at CAD $22,000 per year for four years.
The research project aims at increasing our understanding of individual learner differences in the context of instructional scaffolding with the goal of constructing a set of evaluation and design criteria for adaptive, individualized computer-assisted language learning environments. This research draws on existing work in instructional scaffolding and individual learner differences in Second Language Acquisition as well as Complexity Science, which conceptualizes language learning as a complex, non-linear process.
The PhD in German program at the University of Waterloo (http://germanicandslavic.uwaterloo.ca/graduate/) encompasses applied linguistics (sociolinguistics, SLA, CALL) and Literature and Film Studies (literature, film, drama, hypermedia & theory), and students attain a critical knowledge base in both areas. Professional development and training are an integral part of the program.
The successful candidate will have a master’s degree in a relevant field and expertise (or interest) in areas such as applied linguistics, foreign language learning and teaching, and computers in language learning. A high proficiency in both German and English is required. The research assistant will register for the PhD in German program with a specialization in Applied Linguistics. S/he will be fully involved in all aspects of the project and will also have the opportunity to contribute to the Department’s undergraduate teaching.
Additional instructions:
1. If you intend to apply, please email Mat Schulze at the address below a.s.a.p.
2. Submit your application for the PhD in German program online (see http://www.grad.uwaterloo.ca/). In the research statement requested for the application package, please indicate that the application is for the research assistantship. For further information please contact Mat Schulze (mschulze@uwaterloo.ca).
Application deadline: April 15, 2011. Applications received after the deadline may be considered.
