Daniel R. IsbellAssistant Professor
PhD, Michigan State University

Daniel R. Isbell
Daniel R. Isbell

Moore Hall 555
disbellat symbolhawaii.edu
https://sites.google.com/site/isbelldaniel

My primary areas of interest are language assessment and instructed second language acquisition, and I seek to develop a richer interface between the two. In language assessment, I examine the validity of large-scale proficiency test score interpretations and uses as well as the qualities and usefulness of ‘smaller’ tests, such as local placement exams and instructionally-relevant diagnostic tests. In instructed second language acquisition, much of my work has involved the development of L2 pronunciation and language learning via technology. Although not exclusively, I do primarily quantitative research and have taken an interest in quantitative methodology in L2 research, with an emphasis on research ethics.

Areas of Expertise

  • language testing and assessment
  • second language pronunciation
  • instructed second language acquisition
  • technology in language learning
  • quantitative research methods

Selected Publications

Isbell, D., & Kim, J. (2023). Developer involvement and conflict of interest in high-stake English language test validation research. Research Methods in Applied Linguistics, 2(3). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rmal.2023.100060 

Isbell, D., Crowther, D., & Nishizawa, H. (2023). Extrapolating Duolingo English Test scores: How university stakeholders perceive spoken performances. Language Testing. https://doi.org/10.1177/02655322231165984 

Isbell, D., & Lee, J. (2022). Self-assessment of comprehensibility and accentedness in L2 Korean. Language Learning, 72(3), 806-852. https://doi.org/10.1111/lang.12497 

Isbell, D., Brown, D., Chen, M., Derrick, D., Ghanem, R., Gutierrez-Arvizu, M. N., Schnur, E., Zhang, M., & Plonsky, L. (2022). Misconduct and questionable research practices: The ethics of quantitative data handling and reporting in applied linguistics. Modern Language Journal, 106(1). https://doi.org/10.1111/modl.12760

Isbell, D., & Kremmel, B. (2020). Test review: Current options in at-home language proficiency tests for making high-stakes decisions. Language Testing. Online Advance Access. https://doi.org/10.1177%2F0265532220943483

Loewen, S., Isbell, D., & Sporn, Z. (2020). The effectiveness of app-based language instruction for developing receptive linguistic knowledge and oral communicative ability. Foreign Language Annals, 53(2), 209-233. https://doi.org/10.1111/flan.12454