Dr. Simon Coffey

Biography

Simon Coffey is an applied linguist and teacher educator at King’s College London, where he serves as Subject Director for the PGCE Modern Languages program and Deputy Director for the MA Languages & Cultural Diversity. His teaching career includes experience in teaching English as a foreign language in France, Spain, and England. His research interests center on learners’ motivations for language acquisition and the social and cultural discourses that influence learner identities, particularly through historical research with a focus on the learning of French in England. His goal is to broaden the understanding of what it means to learn a language, emphasizing the importance of enjoyment in language learning. Simon has published extensively on topics such as French teaching in England, emotional investment in language learning, teaching methodology, and the narratives of language learners. He has also contributed to various publications and coordinated numerous educational initiatives aimed at enhancing the language learning experience. Simon welcomes supervising students interested in modern foreign language teaching, learner motivation, and the history of language education.

Research Interests