Dominic Edsall

Dr Dominic Edsall serves as an Honorary Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment at the UCL Institute of Education. His current research investigates the impact of artificial intelligence on higher education and English as a Foreign Language (EFL) instruction, conducted in collaboration with Professor Sandra Leaton Gray. Appointed from September 2024 to September 2026, he maintains active scholarly output despite the non-salaried nature of his honorary position.

His research centers on Learner Autonomy, TESOL, and Higher Education pedagogy, with specialized focus on Japanese university contexts. Key themes include the negotiation of learner autonomy by EFL teachers, transitions from dependent test-taking to autonomous learning, and critical challenges posed by AI in academic integrity. His work bridges theoretical frameworks like game theory and legitimation code theory with practical classroom applications, emphasizing sociocultural dimensions of education.

Analysis of his 2023-2025 publications reveals a strategic pivot toward AI ethics in education, while maintaining core expertise in learner autonomy. The 2025 article on AI-based digital cheating exemplifies his timely intervention in emerging academic integrity crises, proposing ethical pedagogical responses rather than technical fixes. Earlier works establish foundational contributions to autonomy theory through Japanese EFL case studies and complexity-aware research methodologies.

Dr Edsall explicitly states he cannot accept or supervise doctoral students in his current role. He is available for collaborative projects, conference speaking, consultancy, and journal reviewing. His professional background includes secondary science teaching in the UK and extensive EFL instruction in Japanese higher education, providing unique cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural perspectives.