ProfessorAek Phakiti

Aek completed his PhD in Applied Linguistics from the University of Melbourne in 2005. Using a structural equation modelling approach, his thesis examined the relationships between state-trait cognitive, metacognitive, and affective strategy use and EFL reading comprehension test performance. His thesis was a finalist for the Jacqueline Ross Dissertation Award, a prestigious international award by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) in the US.

Aek's research addresses issues and challenges in language testing and the assessment of English as a second or foreign language (L2) proficiency and skills, including reading, listening, and writing. He is a leading scholar in language testing and assessment, recognised both nationally and internationally. His sustained research program investigates the role of strategic competence-the metacognitive ability to plan, monitor, and appraise performance-during language learning and use (see e.g., Phakiti, 2003a, 2003b, 2007, 2008a, 2008b, 2016a, 2016b). His work on automated feedback has significantly contributed to language teaching and assessment (Phakiti, 2024; Stevenson & Phakiti, 2014, 2019).

Aek is the Curriculum Coordinator of the Master of Education (TESOL) and coordinates and lectures units of study in second-language acquisition, language testing and assessment, and research methods in language studies in this program. He supervises higher research degree students in TESOL and applied linguistics. He is passionate about creating a teaching environment that is sensitive and responsive to individual students' beliefs, needs, and learning styles. He also fosters students' understanding of the potential future outcomes of education. His passion is driven by his quest to bring out the best in his students during teaching, learning, and assessment. The design of his units of study aligns with the School and Faculty's strategic themes in student engagement, feedback, and research-led teaching. His use of scaffolded learning is highly valued by students, as evidenced by numerous positive comments (e.g., "Professor Phakiti interacts with students during tutorials and acted on mid-semester feedback to make the tutorials more engaging and interactive." (EDPJ5002, 2019).

In 2010, he received the TOEFL Outstanding Scholar Award, a highly competitive international award by ETS. He has received three Excellence in Teaching Awards (2010, 2017, 2019) and, in 2023, the University of Sydney FASS Research Mentor Award. In 2024, he was awarded the Sydney University Postgraduate Representative Association (SUPRA) Supervisor of the Year Award.

Aek has actively participated in scholarly activities that have influenced and enhanced others' research. His roles as Associate Editor of Language Assessment Quarterly, Vice President (2015-2017) of the Association of Language Testing and Assessment for Australia and New Zealand (ALTAANZ), and Vice President (President-elect) of the Applied Linguistics Association of Australia (ALAA) have promoted high-quality research in the field. In addition to his expertise and leadership in TESOL and applied linguistics, Aek serves as Editor-in-Chief for the University of Sydney Journal of TESOL, a Co-editor-in-chief for Language Testing in Focus: An International Journal and Vice President of the Applied Linguistics Association of Australia. He is on the editorial board of five international refereed journals and one book series: the Australian Review of Applied Linguistics, Language Assessment Quarterly, RELC Journal, Studies in Language Testing and Assessment, Annual Review of Applied Linguistics, TESOL Quarterly and Palgrave's Advancing Interdisciplinary Methods for the Social Sciences.