Kimberly Kraft

Kim Kraft is a PhD student working under the supervision of Dr. David Lasagabaster in the Language Acquisition in Multilingual Settings (LAMS) Program at the University of the Basque Country. Originally from Seattle, Washington, Kim earned her MA in Scandinavian Studies (2013) from the University of Washington; she also holds an MS in Education from Old Dominion University (2002) and teacher certifications in English, Humanities, and English Language Learning. Kim has over fifteen years of experience working in higher education as an academic advisor, Swedish language teacher, and study abroad director.

Kim’s research focuses on language learning beyond the classroom. Using the lens of Self-Determination Theory (SDT), her research aims to: identify strategies and resources that Swedish language learners use to create language learning opportunities outside the classroom; analyze the interplay of autonomy, agentic engagement, and an immersive environment in shaping learners’ experiences; and develop practical guidelines for educators and learners to support and maximize out-of-class learning.

Research Interests

self-determination theory, autonomy, agency, language learning beyond the classroom, study abroad, immersive language learning environments, Swedish