About Dr Rim Day
I am an academic tutor and researcher specialising in English for Academic Purposes (EAP), TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), and inclusive language education. I joined the University in 2012 as an MA TESOL student and have since developed a strong academic and professional profile centred on widening participation, fair assessment, and supporting learners who are often marginalised within ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) provision.
My master’s dissertation examined how inclusive pedagogical practices can foster oral participation among Chinese international students. Building on this foundation, my doctoral research investigated the suitability and fairness of ESOL assessment systems for low‑literate adult learners, with a particular focus on equity, accessibility, and the lived experiences of LESLLA learners (Literacy Education and Second Language Learning for Adults). My recent publications amplify the voices of these learners and call for more responsive, socially just assessment policies across the ESOL sector.
Teaching and supervision
I teach across EAP pre‑sessional and in‑sessional programmes, supporting international students in developing the academic literacy, critical thinking, and research skills required for successful postgraduate study.
My academic role includes supervising dissertations and marking assignments for MA Education, MA International Education, and MA SEND. I provide developmental feedback on research design, methodology, data analysis, and academic writing, helping students produce rigorous and meaningful research.
I'm module lead for Principles and Practice of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.
I also contribute to the supervision and Personal Academic Tutoring of PGCE Education trainees on placement through distance learning.
With over 18 years of experience in EFL (English as a Foreign Language) and ESL (English as a Second Language) teaching, I draw on a wide range of pedagogical approaches to create inclusive, engaging, and culturally responsive learning environments.
Interests
Alongside my university role, I work closely with local ESOL providers, delivering teacher‑training workshops and designing literacy materials for pre‑entry learners. My work supports practitioners in developing effective strategies for teaching low‑literate adult learners and contributes to improving ESOL provision within the community.
Internationally, I have taught as a part‑time module leader at Huaqiao University in China, delivering online modules in Public Speaking and Business Writing. This experience has strengthened my interest in intercultural communication and global approaches to language education.
Research
- Participatory action research
- Social inclusion in adult education
- Assessment design for LESLLA learners
- Digital literacy and technology‑enhanced learning
- Fair and inclusive assessment
- ESOL, EAL, and EFL pedagogy
- Literacy and second language learning for adult migrants (LESLLA and LASLLIAM)
- Intercultural education
- Interdisciplinary abd multidisciplinary research collaboration.