Stephen Ryan

Stephen Ryan is a Professor at Waseda University, affiliated with the

• School of Culture, Media and Society
• Faculty of Education and Integrated Arts and Sciences (School of Education)

His research spans educational psychology and applied linguistics, focusing on motivation, identity, and mindsets in language learning. He has extensively studied Japanese learners of English, examining factors like globalization and the role of implicit theories of talent in language acquisition.

Ryan’s recent publications emphasize positive psychology, innovation in Japanese language education, and the psychological impact of global English as a lingua franca. His work bridges theory and practice, exploring pedagogical implications for EFL instruction.

Notable collaborations include studies with the University of Nottingham and projects on third-age language learners. He employs qualitative methods like Q methodology to uncover learner perspectives and has contributed to debates on curriculum design, technology integration, and learner autonomy. Ryan also investigates intergenerational learning and the social dynamics of language education.

His teaching includes courses on

• the psychology of language learning
• English education in Japan
• graduate seminars in English linguistics and cultural anthropology