Languages: ESP / EN / FR
Alejandro Fallas
Language Testing, Statistics, ESL
Hi, I’m Alejandro Fallas, a PhD student specializing in language testing with a strong focus on quantitative research. I’m passionate about exploring how data can inform educational assessment. When I’m not immersed in research, I’m usually lost in music or a good book—especially Gothic literature.#LanguageTesting #CostaRica
Curriculum
ACADEMIC BACKGROUND
2024 - Currently
Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Linguistics – Language Testing
Université Laval, Québec, Canada2021 - 2023
Master’s Degree in Applied Linguistics (English for Specific Purposes)
Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica, Heredia, Costa Rica2016 - 2022
Bachelor of Arts in Statistics
Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica2015 - 2019
Bachelor of Arts in English (Literature)
Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Research Assistant (December 2024 – currently)
Programme d'appui à l'innovation pédagogique
Université Laval, Québec, CanadaEnglish Teaching Assistant
(Fall 2025) AGN-1002 Introduction to Linguistics
(Fall 2024, 2025) DID-2924 ESL Testing and Evaluation
(Fall 2024) DID-1920 Introduction to Second Language Teaching
Université Laval, Québec, CanadaEnglish as a Second Language Instructor (January – July 2024)
Reading Strategies in English I (LM-1030) & Integrated English I (LM-1001)
Universidad de Costa Rica, Escuela de Lenguas Modernas, Costa RicaCurriculum and Material Design (January 2023 – July 2024)
English for Statistics (LM-3039, LM-3040, LM-3041, LM-3042)
Universidad de Costa Rica, Escuela de Lenguas Modernas, Costa RicaStatistician (December 2019 – July 2024)
Researcher and consultant
Programa de Evaluación en Lenguas Extranjeras (PELEx), Universidad de Costa Rica
COMMITTEE WORK
Online Event Coordinator (2025 – currently)
Canadian Association of Language Assessment CALA
Member-at-LargeEditor-in-Chief (2026)
Actes du colloque Les Journée de linguistique (JDL)
Unviersité Laval
Research & Publications
Research Interests:
— Psychometrics
— Language Testing
— Test Validation
— Quantative Research Methods
Articles
Acosta, Y., & Fallas, A. (In press). Applying the Rasch model to review difficulty levels in a reading comprehension test for kids. Revista de Lenguas Modernas.Fallas, A., & Araya, W. (2025). Computer or paper-based delivery mode: An analysis for testing English reading strategies. Revista de Lenguas Modernas, (40), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.15517/r1m8dy28Araya, W., & Fallas, A. (2024). University of Costa Rica’s English Diagnostic test 2022: Evidence of validity and reliability. Research in Pedagogy, 14(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.5937/istrped2401001a
Conferences
Fallas, A. (2022). Evidence of validity and reliability in the English proficiency test for MEP students: The 2021 cohort. Proceedings of the IV English Teaching Congress.
https://doi.org/10.18845/mct.v28i1.2022
Research Reports
Quesada, A., Araya, W., & Fallas, A. (2023). La enseñanza y aprendizaje del inglés en la secundaria pública costarricense del siglo XXI: innovaciones, brechas y desafíos. Programa Estado de la Educación [PEN], Costa Rica. https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12337/8517
Current Research
Fallas, A., & Díaz, I. (2026–2028). Design of a French as a Second Language Assessment for Children in Costa Rica’s Public Education System. UCR-PELEx, Costa Rica.
About me
I’m originally from Costa Rica, but I’m currently living in Québec City, Canada. In my free time, I enjoy going out for a cup of coffee and having a nice conversation, or simply spending time reading. I’m also a devoted lover of Gothic literature.
Books
Anne Rice (2000). Merrick
Nathaniel Nawthorne (1850). The Scarlet Letter
Chloe Benjamin (2018). The Immortalists.
Music
Avril Lavigne
Muse
Evanescence