A workshop for the 2025-26 series on AI and Research in Language Studies
Dr. Lara Bryfonski
Associate Professor, Applied Linguistics
Georgetown University
Thursday, March 19, 2026
3:00-5:00pm
1418 Van Hise Hall
About the workshop
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming not only language teaching and learning but also how research in applied linguistics is conducted. For researchers, emerging AI tools offer new possibilities for streamlining data analysis, particularly for time-intensive tasks such as coding qualitative data, synthesizing studies in meta-analyses, and conducting advanced statistical modeling. Yet, these tools also raise important methodological and ethical questions: How reliable are AI-assisted coding methods? How can AI contribute to open science efforts by improving transparency and replicability in large-scale research syntheses? And, how might AI augment researcher expertise in quantitative analysis?
This workshop will introduce participants to practical strategies for integrating AI into research workflows. Drawing on examples from recent studies in applied linguistics, we will explore how AI can support qualitative coding (e.g., theme identification and top-down coding practices), automate the extraction and classification of variables for meta-analysis, and assist with statistical tasks such as regression modeling and data visualization. Participants will leave with concrete examples, tool suggestions, and a chance to try out using AI responsibly and effectively in applied linguistics research.
About the presenter
Lara Bryfonski is an applied linguist and associate professor at Georgetown University where she conducts research on second language acquisition and language teaching. She has published and presented her research on a variety of topics in applied linguistics, including task-based language teaching (TBLT), teacher training, corrective feedback, language learning and technology, materials development, and methods for second language research. She is PI of a STARTALK program on TBLT that supports teachers and learners of critical languages. Dr. Bryfonski is a credentialed English as a second/foreign language teacher and has taught students from preschool to adulthood in a variety of contexts in the U.S. and abroad. She is passionate about supporting novice language teachers and has worked with NGOs, public and private schools, governmental and financial organizations, and universities to provide research-based training in language teaching. Her 2024 book, co-authored with Alison Mackey, is The Art and Science of Language Teaching published by Cambridge University Press.
Sponsors: The Language Institute, Second Language Acquisition PhD Program, and Language Sciences
Contact: Dianna Murphy
The UW-Madison Language Institute is committed to inclusive and accessible programming. To request an accommodation for this event, please contact Language Institute associate director Jana Martin three business days in advance.