Kristina Pla Fernandez

Kristina Pla Fernandez is a Lecturer in Spanish at Durham University's School of Modern Languages and Cultures. She joined Durham in 2015 after teaching at Leeds University, Manchester University, and Instituto Cervantes. Her academic journey includes a BA from Universitat de Barcelona, a MA Res from University of Leeds, a PhD from University of Manchester, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice from Durham.

Education:

• BA in Spanish Language and Literature, Universitat de Barcelona
• Teaching Qualification, Universitat de Barcelona
• MA Res in Chicano Literature, University of Leeds
• PhD in Spanish Literature (Thesis: "A comparative Study of Autofiction and Humour in the Works of Enrique Vila-Matas and Roberto Bolaño"), University of Manchester
• Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice, Durham University

Research Interests:

• Classroom atmosphere and emotions in language learning
• Engaging assessment strategies that align with student interests
• Actionable and personalized feedback mechanisms
• Empowering student autonomy in language learning

Her publications explore feedback efficiency, assessment design, and teacher well-being in Spanish language education. She actively participates in conferences and training programs to advance second language pedagogy.