Research
Writing research
Academic writing
Many of Sara’s publications explore the pedagogy of writing. Her more recent research investigates the writing experiences of PhD candidates. A representative publication is:
Botelho de Magalhães, M., Cotterall, S. & Mideros, D. (2019). Identity, voice and agency in two EAL doctoral writing contexts, Journal of Second Language Writing. 43, 4-14.
Doctoral education
Doctoral education
In 2011 Sara completed a longitudinal project which investigated international PhD students’ academic socialisation experiences in Australia. Key publications from this period include:
Cotterall, S. (2011). Doctoral students writing: Where’s the pedagogy? Teaching in Higher Education 16 (4), 413-425.
Cotterall, S. (2013). More than just a brain: Emotions and the doctoral experience. Higher Education Research and Development 32(2), 174-187.
Language learning
Learner autonomy in language learning
Sara’s interest in learner autonomy began with her MA investigation into the reading strategies of international undergraduate students. Since then, her research has explored learner beliefs, metacognitive knowledge in independent language learning, curriculum design and language advising. Three key publications from this period are:
Cotterall, S. (2000). Promoting learner autonomy through the curriculum: Principles for designing language courses. ELT Journal 54 (2), 109-117. Download this article.
Cotterall, S. (2005). “It’s just rules … that’s all it is at this stage …” In Benson, P. & Nunan, D. (Eds.) Learners’ stories: Difference and diversity in language learning. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 101-118.
Cotterall, S. & Murray, G. (2009). Enhancing metacognitive knowledge: Structure, affordances and self. System 37 (1), 34-45.
Victoria University Interview
Sara was interviewed by staff from Victoria University of Wellington's Language Learning Centre (LLC) in 2017 about her association with the LLC from her time as an undergraduate student of French to her years as a member of staff in the School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies.