Dr Sal Consoli is a Lecturer in Language Education at the Moray House School of Education and Sport, University of Edinburgh. His research is concerned with the fields of applied linguistics, language education, and educational psychology. His work on "life capital" explores how unique personal life stories shape both learners’ and teachers’ experiences. This concept has opened new avenues for understanding motivation, identity, and well-being in educational settings. By integrating insights from psychology, sociology, and education, this theoretical lens is applicable across various educational contexts. Dr Consoli’s research therefore underscores the importance of considering learners’ and educators’ holistic experiences, rather than just focusing on academic phenomena. Dr Consoli’s work on reflexivity in social sciences research emphasises the importance of researchers critically examining their own biases, assumptions, and influences throughout the research process. He advocates for reflexivity as a crucial methodological practice that enhances the onto-epistemic validity and ethical integrity of research. Furthermore, Dr Consoli actively collaborates with educators globally to translate his theoretical insights into real-world practices that promote learner engagement and teacher well-being. He holds several international roles, including serving on editorial boards and academic committees, where he contributes to the global discourse on language education and research methodologies.
Research interests:
My research is centred on the psychology of language education, exploring the intricate connections between learners’ and teachers’ motivation, engagement, and well-being. I employ narrative inquiry and practitioner research to understand how language learning and teaching experiences shape identities and lives and vice versa. My concept of "Life Capital" provides a unique lens to examine these dynamics. Additionally, I am deeply invested in research ethics, reflexivity, and the internationalisation of higher education.