Angel Añorga

Angel Añorga is an Associate Professor of Spanish at the University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College, where she has been a faculty member since 2009, advancing from Instructor to Assistant Professor and then to her current rank in 2016. A dedicated applied linguist and educator, she brings over two decades of experience in language teaching and research, with a strong focus on second language acquisition, pronunciation, and technology-enhanced learning.

She holds a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Second Language Studies from the University of Cincinnati, with a dissertation on self-efficacy in short-term study abroad programs. Her academic background also includes a Master of Education from the University of Granada, Spain, a Master of Arts in Spanish Linguistics from the University of California, San Diego, and a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the National University of San Marcos in Lima, Peru.

Her research is deeply rooted in second language pronunciation, particularly within a Cognitive Phonology framework. She explores how task-based language learning, Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL), and Artificial Intelligence can be leveraged to improve pronunciation and learner confidence. She employs mixed methods, integrating qualitative inquiry such as case studies and autoethnography with quantitative tools like SPSS and RStudio.

Her recent publications reflect a consistent focus on study abroad programs, task-based interactions, and online language instruction. These works highlight her commitment to improving learner outcomes through innovative pedagogical strategies and reflective teaching practices.

Scientific Awards:

• 2011 – Diversity is Beautiful Award and Teaching Excellence, University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College

Professional Affiliations & Memberships:

• American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL)
• Modern Languages Association (MLA)
• American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP)
• American Association of Applied Linguistics (AAAL)
• Ohio TESOL (OTESOL)
• International Society for Exploring Teaching and Learning (ISETL)
• Ohio Foreign Language Association (OFLA)
• American Educational Research Association (AERA)

She teaches a wide range of courses including Spanish at all levels, English as a Foreign Language, Medical Spanish, and Spanish Film and Culture. Her pedagogical philosophy centers on student-centered learning, emphasizing the importance of contextualizing education to empower students in their personal and academic growth.