Personal Homepage of WEN Zhisheng,Edward

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WEN Zhisheng, Edward
Cert/Dip in TEFL; B.A. in English; M.A. & PhD in Applied Linguistics

Lecturer
Department of English Language & Literature
Hong Kong Shue Yan University
10 Wai Tsui Crescent, Braemar Hill Road
North Point, Hong Kong
Office: Room LG126        Tel: (852) 21048277  Email: wenzhisheng@hotmail.com      

                                          Edward at UC Irvine during 2007 AAAL Costa Mesa Conference (Photo by Jan Zhan WANG)

                    

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AREAS OF SCHOLARSHIP:

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  • Psycholinguistics (in particular: effects of working memory on second language learning);

  • Second Language Acquisition/Bilingualism (in particular: psychological & cognitive aspects);

  • Individual Differences in Second Language Learning (in particular: foreign language aptitude);

  • Task-based Language Teaching, Learning and Testing (in particular: second language speaking);

  • Language Testing & Assessment (in particular: dynamic testing & dynamic assessment);

  • Discourse/Genre Analysis and ESP Teaching

  • Business Communciation (Business English)

  • Empirical Translation & Interpretation Studies/Financial Translation.

*My current research foci are issues surrounding "working memory and second language learning"

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TEACHING:

l           Psycholinguistics

l           Second Language Acquisition/Bilingualism

l           Language Testing & Assessment

l           Phonetics & Phonology

l           Research Methodology (Qualitative & Quantitative Approaches)

l           Introduction to General Linguistics / English Lexicology

l           Language Pedagogy

l           Discourse Analysis /English for Specific Purposes

l           Business Communication/Business Writing

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*Courses currently teaching (Academic year 2008-2009):

ENG 211 English Writing
ENG 281 Pedagogical Grammar
ENG 350 Psycholinguistics

 

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EDUCATION:

 

2004-2009    The Chinese University of Hong Kong  

                      Ph. D in Applied English Linguistics,  Department of  English

                     (Thesis Title: Effects of working memory capacity on L2 task-based speech planning and performance)

                     (Thesis Area: Psycholinguistics; Second Language Acquisition)   

                      (Supervisor: Prof. Peter Skehan)

 

1999-2002    Guangdong University of Foreign Studies                   

M.A. in Applied Linguistics,  School of  International Business English

(Thesis Title: A Genre Analysis of Chairman's Statements in Corporate Annual Reports)

                     (Thesis Area: Discourse/Genre Analysis; ESP)

 

1996-1998    South China Normal University                         

                     B.A in English and Education,  School of  Foreign  Studies

 

1991-1996    Guangdong Teachers' College of Foreign Languages and Arts        

College Diploma and Certificate in English and Education (TEFL)   

                 

 

TEACHING & WORKING EXPERIENCE:

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2007-Now     Hong Kong Shue Yan University

                       Lecturer, Department of English Language and Literature

                       (Current Courses: English Writing; Pedagogical Grammar; Psycholinguistics)

 

2004-2007    The Chinese University of Hong Kong

                     Teaching Assistant & Research Assistant, Department. of English

                     (Courses Tutored: English Phonetics & Phonology; Second Language Acquisition; Grammatical Structures etc.)

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2002-2004    South China Normal University                    

                     Lecturer, School of Foreign Studies

(Courses taught: Introduction to General Linguistics; Lexicology; English Teaching Pedagogy; Intensive Reading; College English; Business English; English Writing; Spoken English; Listening etc.)

  

2001-2004    Lingnan College (University), Sun Yat-Sen University

Adjunct Lecturer, International MBA Program (with MIT-Sloan)

(Taught the course "Business English" to MBA students; syllabus included writing and translating different financial documents: business letters; internal/external memos; interim/annual reports; business plans)

 

1999-2002    Guangdong University of Foreign Studies 

                     Part-time Instructor, School of Continuing Studies

                     (Courses taught: Introduction to General Linguistics; Business English; English Proficiency Test Preparation etc.)

 

Find2fine Management Consultant Inc.

                     Part-time Senior Translator

                     (Responsible for translating interim/annual reports and other financial documents for listed companies in Hong

                      Kong; Projects included:  China Merchants; Shanghai Industrial; Dairy Farm Products etc.)

 

D & U Business English Training Center

                     Consultant & Part-time Instructor

                     (Assisted in the center's syllabus design and taught Business English Certificate Level 2)

 

1998-1999    Zhuhai Gold Coast Middle School      

Secondary School English Teacher

(Taught English to senior high school students)

 

RESEARCH-RELATED GRANTS/PROJECTS, PAPER AWARDS AND OTHER PRIZES: 

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2008  "Hong Kong Shue Yan University RDSC Research Grant"--Project Title "Testing Foreign Language Aptitude with WM Tasks" (2008-2010)

2008  "Hong Kong Shue Yan University RDSC Conference Grant"--AAAL2008,Washington.D.C.

2007   "CUHK Postgraduate Student Grants for Overseas Academic Activities"--AAAL2007,Costa Mesa

2007   The National Project of Social Sciences (No.06BYY028) (2006-2008)

2007  "AAAL Postgraduate Student Travel Grant", 2007 Conference (not funded)

2007  "Harold Gulliksen Psychometric Research Fellowship", ETS (not funded)

2007  "TESOL International Research Fund", DDG Grant (not funded)

2006  "Hong Kong Association of Applied Linguistics (HAAL) Postgraduate Student Travel Grant"

2006   "English Department of CUHK Conference Travel Grant"

2006  "CUHK Postgraduate Student Grants for Overseas Academic Activities"

2005  "Travel Grant" to 3rd Asia TEFL Conference (Beijing) by Asia TEFL, Korea

2005  "CUHK Postgraduate Student Grant for Overseas Academic Activities"

2005   "Paper Award of China's Young Scholars of Sociolinguistics"

2004    CUHK postgraduate research studentship (2004-2007)

2004    "Excellent Staff Award", School of Foreign Studies, SCNU

2004   1st Prize of "Teaching Skills Competition" (Teachers' Category), SCNU

1999    2nd Runner-up in "English Speech Contest", Faculty of International Business English, GDUFS

1998   3rd Prize of "Teaching Skills Competition" (Students' Category), SCNU      

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RESEARCH OUTPUT

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Research Monographs

  1. Wen Zhisheng, (2010, forthcoming), Working memory and second language learning: Theories, measurement, research and practice. A research monograph currently under contract with Multilingual Matters (SLA series).

  2. Wen Zhisheng. (2009). Effects of working memory capacity on L2 task-based speech planning and processing. Unpublished PhD Dissertation. The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.

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Edited Volumes

  1. Wen Zhisheng, (in preparation), Foreign language aptitude, working memory, and L2 tasks research: Essays in honour of Peter Skehan. Intended as an edited volume of collected papers by scholars and students whose work has been influenced by ideas and works of Prof. Peter Skehan. (Book proposal to be submitted to John Benjamins -- Task-based Language Teaching: Issues, Research and Practice series).

  2. Wen Zhisheng, (in preparation), Working memory and SLA: A collection of empirical studies. Intended as an edited volume of empirical papers on WM and various aspects of SLA. (Book proposal to be submitted to the Routledge Taylor and Francis series "cognitive science and second language acquisition").

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Papers (Published in Refereed Journals)

  1. Wen, Zhisheng & Peter Skehan. (2009, to appear). A new perspective on foreign language aptitude: Building and supporting a case for "working memory as foreign language aptitude" (an invited paper for a special issue on "Recent Developments in SLA", guest-edited by Prof. M.B.M. Fortkamp). Ilha Do Desterro: A Journal of English language, literatures and cultural studies (Universidade Federal de Santa Caterian, Brazil; MLA-Indexed).

  2. Gan Wenning & Wen Zhisheng. (2009, in press). Psycholinguistic models of metaphor comprehension in the direct access view.Waiyu Yishu yu Jiaoyu Yanjiu (Educational Research on Foreign Languages & Arts). 27.

  3. Wen Zhisheng. (2009, in press). Working memory and SLA & L2 development: Theory & practice. In Chen Jianping (Ed.) "Proceedings of China's English Language Teaching Annual Conference 2006". Foreign Language Teaching & Research Press.

  4. Wen Zhisheng. (2009). On reopening the research agenda of foreign language aptitude. Waiyu Yishu yu Jiaoyu Yanjiu (Educational Research on Foreign Languages & Arts). 26, 5-12.

  5. Wen Zhisheng. (2008). Is noticing vital for L2 learning? CELEA Journal (Teaching English in China). TEIC 79, 3-8. Beijing, China.

  6. Wen Zhisheng. (2007). Working memory as foreign language aptitude: theory and practice. Xiandai Waiyu (Modern Foreign Languages), 1, 87-95. Guangzhou, China. (CSSCI Indexed Journal)

  7. Wen Zhisheng, (2007). Recent advances in foreign language aptitude research. Huanan Shifan Daxue Xuebao (Journal of South China Normal University, (Social Science Edition)). 1, 148-150. Guangzhou, China.

  8. Wen Zhisheng. (2006). Recent trends in foreign language aptitude research. Zhongguo Yingyu Jiaoyu (English Education in China), 1, 8-17. Beijing, China. (Electronic Edition)

  9. Wen Zhisheng. (2005). Foreign language aptitude research revisited. Xiandai Waiyu (Modern Foreign Languages), 4, 383-392. Guangzhou, China. (CSSCI Indexed Journal)

  10. Wen Zhisheng. (2005). The Socio-cognitive perspective of genre research. Tianjin Waiguoyu Xueyuan Xuebao (Tianjin Foreign Studies University Journal), 6, 46-52. Tianjin, China.

  11. Wen Zhisheng. (2004). Genre analysis and translation of professional discourse. US-China Foreign Languages, 13, 1-5.

  12. Wen Zhisheng. (2003). A further review on register, genre and text type. Waiyu Yishu yu Jiaoyu Yanjiu (Educational Research on Foreign Languages & Arts). 3, 21-28. Guangzhou, China.

Manuscripts (completed and under review)

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  • Wen Zhisheng, (completed), Theorizing and measuring working memory for SLA research: Problems, Issues, and Directions.

  • Wen Zhisheng, (completed), "Working memory as foreign language aptitude: A SWOT analysis".

  • Wen Zhisheng, (completed), "Reviewing, Zoltan Dornyei, 2009, The Psychology of Second Language Acquisition".

  • Wen Zhisheng. (under review). Hong Kong's language initiatives in perspective. 

  • Wen Zhisheng. (under review). Towards an integrated genre analysis of business discourse.

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Work-in-progress:

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  • Wen Zhisheng, (in progress), Working memory, planning and task structure. In Peter Skehan, (ed.) ¡§Contextualizing task-based research: A processing perspective¡¨ (Chapter 6). Under review with John Benjamins, intended publication in 2010.

  • Wen Zhisheng, (in progress), Effects of working memory and planning on L2 task-based narrative retelling.

  • Wen Zhisheng, (in progress), Research Timeline: Working memory and SLA.

  • Wen Zhisheng, (in progress), Key Concept: L2 working memory.

  • Wen Zhisheng (in progress). Testing foreign language aptitude with working memory span tasks: theoretical and methodological considerations.

  • Wen Zhisheng (in progress). "Oh, my memory is very poor" L2 learners'  perceptions of (working) memory in SLA.

  • Wen Zhisheng, (in progress), Aptitude testing for interpreting and translating: From a  working memory perspective. (co-authored)

  • Wen Zhisheng, (in progress), Towards an integrative genre analysis of chairman's statements in corporate annul reports.

  • Wen Zhisheng, (in preparation), Implementing alternative assessment in the Asian EFL classrooms: Challenges and implications.

  • Wen Zhisheng, (in preparation), Foreign language aptitude research: Theory and practice. Intended as a monograph written in Chinese.

  • Wen Zhisheng, (in preparation), Psychological and cognitive mechanisms in second language learning: Theory, testing and practice. Intended as a monograph written in both English & Chinese.

  • Wen Zhisheng, (in preparation), Psycholinguistics: A resource book for second language learners. Intended as a course-book written in English.

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Invited seminars & workshops:

  • Wen Zhisheng. (2009, April). "Investigating L2 task-based speech planning and performance from a working memory perspective". An invited seminar at Department of English, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, April 24 & April 27, 2009.

  • Wen Zhisheng. (2008, Jan). "Assessing second language abilities: Psychometric approaches vs. socio-cultural approaches", presentation at  "Workshop on Teaching & Assessment" organized by Department of English Language & Literature, Hong Kong Shue Yan University.

  • Wen Zhisheng. (2006, April). "Foreign language aptitude research: A review and a new view", invited seminar at School of Foreign Studies, South China Normal University, Guangzhou.

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Conference papers & presentations:

 

2009 and Forthcoming

  • Wen Zhisheng (2009, Oct.). Constructing a theory of foreign language aptitude in the legacy of Richard E. Snow. Second Language Research Forum (SLRF 2009), 29 Oct. - Nov. 1st 2009, Michigan State University, USA.(Pending)

2008

  • Wen Zhisheng (2008, March). Effects of working memory and pre-task planning on L2 narrative retellings. Paper presented at  AAAL 2008 Conference, March 29-April 1, 2008, Washington D.C., USA.  (Supported by a Hong Kong Shue Yan University RDSC Conference Grant)

2007

  • Wen Zhisheng (2007, Sept.). Relationship between working memory capacity (WMC) and L2 task-based speech planning and performance. Paper accepted to present at The 2nd Task-Based Language Teaching Conference (TBLT2007), 20-22, Sept., 2007, Hawaii, USA. (not attended)

  • Wen Zhisheng (2007, July). Working memory as foreign language aptitude: Opening the research agenda in China. Paper presented at the First International Conference on English, Discourse and Cultural Communication. 8th to 13th, July 2007, Macao & Urumqi, China. (Sponsored by Macao Polytechnique Institute)

  • Wen Zhisheng (2007, June). Working with working memory in SLA: Some theoretical and methodological considerations. Paper presented at 2nd Pearl River Delta English Studies Graduate Students Conference, June, 15-18, Shenzhen, China. (Supported by a CUHK English Department Travel Grant)

  • Wen Zhisheng (2007, June). Working memory and L2 task-based speech performance: Theory and practice. Paper presented at the 2nd Hong Kong Association of Applied Linguistics (HAAL) Research Forum, 11 June, 2007. Hong Kong. 

  • Wen Zhisheng (2007, June). Theory construction for foreign language aptitude: Yesterday, today and tomorrow. Paper accepted to present at the  5th AsiaTEFL International Conference, June, 8-10, 2007, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (not attended) 

  • Wen Zhisheng (2007, April). Effects of working memory capacity on L2 task-based speech planning and performance. Paper presented at the AAAL 2007 Conference, 22-24 April, 2007, Costa Mesa, California, USA.(Supported by a CUHK Postgraduate Travel Grant) 

  • Wen Zhisheng (2007, April). A psycholinguistic account of L2 task-based speech planning and performance: Effects of working memory capacity. Paper accepted to present at the international conference "Social & Cognitive Aspects of Second Language Learning and Teaching", 12-14 April, 2007, Auckland, New Zealand. (not attended)

2006

  • Wen Zhisheng (2006, Dec.). Testing foreign language aptitude: Insights from working memory span tasks. Paper presented at the International Conference on Language Testing, Dec. 8-9, Guangzhou, China.

  • Wen Zhisheng (2006, Nov.). Working memory and L2 skills development. Paper presented (as Featured Speech) at the ELT 2006 Annual Conference, Nov. 11-13, Guangzhou, China. (Supported by a HAAL Postgraduate Travel Grant)

  • Wen Zhisheng (2006, August). Building and supporting a case for "working memory as foreign language aptitude". Paper presented at the 4th Asia TEFL International Conference, 18-20 August 2006, Fukuoka, Japan. (Supported by a CUHK Postgraduate Travel Grant)

  • Wen Zhisheng. (2006, July). Hong Kong's language initiatives under Fire. Paper presented at the Applied Linguistics Association of Australia (ALAA) 2006 Conference, Brisbane, Australia. (Supported by a CUHK Postgraduate Travel Grant)

  • Wen Zhisheng. (2006, June). Foreign language aptitude research: A review and a new view. Paper presented at the First Pearl River Delta English Studies Graduate Student Conference. Macau SAR, China. (Supported by a CUHK English Department Travel Grant)

2005

  • Wen Zhisheng. (2005, Dec). Hong Kong's language initiatives in perspective. Paper presented at The 4th International Conference on Chinese Sociolinguistics (ICCS4). Guangzhou, China. (Supported by a CUHK Postgraduate Travel Grant) (Paper was awarded " Paper Award of China's Young Scholars of Sociolinguistics", 2nd Runner-up)

  • Wen Zhisheng. (2005, Nov). An investigation into the formulaic sequences in advanced EFL writing. Paper presented at The 3rd Asia TEFL International Conference. Beijing, China. (Paper awarded the "Travel Grant" by the Asia TEFL Association, Korea)

2004 and Before

  • Wen Zhisheng. (2004, Dec.). Developing academic literacies for ESL/EFL learners: a genre approach. Paper presented at The 18th International Language in Education Conference (HKILEC2004). Hong Kong Institute of Education, HK.

  • Wen Zhisheng. (2002, Dec.). "Teaching business English in China: A genre approach". Paper presented at The 7th English in South East Asia Conference. Hong Kong Baptist University, HK. (Sponsored by Language Center, HK Baptist University)

  • Wen Zhisheng. (2001, Dec.). "Genre Analysis and Non-literary Translation". Paper presented at The FIT Third Asian Translator's Forum, 2001. University of Hong Kong & Lingnan University of Hong Kong, HK. (Sponsored by Find2fine Inc.)             

  • Wen Zhisheng. (2001, May). "On Register, Genre and Text Type". Paper presented at The International Conference on "Culture, Communication and Language Pedagogy". Hong Kong Baptist University, HK. (Sponsored by Language Center, Hong Kong Baptist U.)

  • Wen Zhisheng. (2001, April). "Genre Analysis and its application in English business writing". Paper presented at China's 4th Seminar on International Business English. Guangzhou, China.

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ROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS/SERVICE:

 

Member                      Publication Committee, HKSYU (2007-Present)

Member                     American Association for Applied Linguistics (AAAL) (2006-present)

Member                     Applied Linguistics Association of Australia (ALAA) (2005-present)

Member                     Hong Kong Association of Applied Linguistics (HAAL) (2005-present)

Member                     AsiaTEFL (2005-present)

Editorial Assistant       Asian Journal of English Language Teaching (AJELT) (2005)

Session Chair              4th International Conference on Chinese Sociolinguistics (2005)

Session Chair              China's ELT 2006 Annual Conference (2006)

Session Chair              AAAL Annual Conferences (2007 California; 2008 Washington D.C.)

Board Secretary           Academic Board, Dept. of English, Hong Kong Shue Yan University (2008-2009)

Adjudicator                  The Standard Chartered Hong Kong Public English Speaking Contest (2009)

 

 

COMPUTER SKILLS:

 

Applications: Word processing (MS-Word); Presentational (PowerPoint); Spreadsheet and Statistical (MS-Excel; SPSS; SEM-Lisrel/AMOS); Speech Transcription (Sound-scriber);

Language data analysis software: (CHAT & CLAN of CHILDES; DELPHI).

Programming: E-prime (psychology software).

Web-based Teaching and Learning: CUFORUM/Moodle/ILN.

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LANGUAGES:

 

Putonghua (mother-tongue); Cantonese (native); English (near-native fluency); French (average); Russian (average).

 

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MY OTHER FAVOURATE LINKS:

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> What makes a good PhD student? Nature 441 (May 11, 2006): 252 (pdf)

> Guide for PhD students (and post-docs) aiming for a successful career (pdf)

> Current and upcoming Linguistics and Language Acquisition Conferences (Linguist List)

> SSCI Index (2006)

> CSSCI Index (Chinese Social Sciences Citation Index)

> Bibliography of working memory and foreign language aptitude(email me for it!)

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Last updated: 22nd May, 2009 by Edward

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