Patti Spinner

Patti Spinner is an Associate Professor at Michigan State University affiliated with the Department of Linguistics, Languages, and Cultures. Her work focuses on second language acquisition, particularly grammatical features like gender, case, and tense, and she innovates ESL instruction through music-based lessons.

• Education:
  • Ph.D. in Linguistics, University of Pittsburgh
  • M.A. in Linguistics, University of Pittsburgh
  • M.A. in German, Ohio State University

Patti's research explores grammar acquisition across languages (Swahili, German, Italian, English) using experimental methods like eye-tracking and self-paced reading. She contributes to journals such as Studies in Second Language Acquisition and Applied Linguistics.

She has taught German as a foreign language at Ohio State University, Michigan State University, Kenyon College, and ESL at the University of Pittsburgh and institutions in Germany. Her notable projects include L-Pop: Real Music for English Language Learning and music-based lessons for Betty Azar’s English Grammar series.